The potential of buildings

Reducing energy consumption would reduce Europe’s bill for imported oil and gas.

I read your article on efforts by member states to water down proposals in the energy efficiency directive with concern (“EU energy efficiency talks deadlocked”, 31 May-6 June). 

Many member states clearly view the draft directive as an example of the EU overstepping its remit. Most importantly, they fear being forced to renovate their building stock.

Perspective is needed. This directive is as much about economic efficiency as energy efficiency. Reducing energy consumption would drastically reduce Europe’s bill for imported oil and gas.

But a directive that does not properly address building renovation will miss its targets. And it will not give investors the confidence they need.

There is huge untapped potential to save energy in the building sector: buildings account for over 40% of the EU’s energy use and up to 36% of its carbon dioxide emissions. The EU currently lacks the policy instruments needed to achieve its long-term objective, of a nearly zero-energy building stock by 2050. The directive could fill this gap.

Other benefits would be sizeable. The European Commission estimates that two million jobs could be created. Europe is a leader in the manufacture of energy-efficient construction materials; that advantage could be increased. Renovated buildings have also been shown to improve the health and productivity of their occupants.

Can Europe afford this? Yes, this is a sound investment: a recent study of the German building-renovation programme found that every euro invested generated €4-€5 for public authorities.

Bertrand Cazes

Secretary-general, Glass For Europe

Brussels

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