Brussels played host to a flurry of activity focused on sustainable construction and energy efficiency on December 4th. The european Parliament served as the backdrop for the third annual Energy Efficiency Day, organized by the European Alliance to save Energy (EU-ASE).
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) attending the event underscored the critical role energy efficiency must play in the EU’s future. Seán Kelly (EPP), who spearheaded the new Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) as rapporteur, emphasized the importance of the coming years. “The next five years will define the next fifty years,” he stated. Kelly highlighted the crucial role buildings play in the EU’s transition towards sustainability, noting, ”Buildings are at the heart of the EU transition.” He stressed that accelerating the renovation rate of buildings not only saves energy, which can be redirected to other sectors, but also creates local jobs, contributing to a sustainable and competitive future for the EU.
MEP Jutta Paulus (Greens) dedicated part of her address to the pressing issue of energy poverty and the actions needed to combat it.
On the same day, the “Sustainable Construction Talks” took place in brussels, marking the first time this event was held in the city. Organized in partnership with Saint-Gobain, the discussions mirrored the focus of Energy Efficiency Day, emphasizing the need to keep sustainable construction high on the political agenda. Benoit Bazin, CEO of Saint-gobain, stressed the urgency of implementing and delivering on recently agreed-upon policies, such as the EPBD. “Innovation in the construction sector is about scale and speed,” he said, emphasizing that efficient products are already available in the market.
The talks featured two panel discussions. The first explored policy levers to ensure the affordability and sustainability of housing, while the second delved into the financial instruments needed to accelerate the conversion of the building stock.
Brussels Focuses on Sustainable Construction and Energy Efficiency: A Path to a Greener Future
Brussels was abuzz with activity on December 4th,as stakeholders gathered to discuss the critical role of sustainable construction and energy efficiency in securing a greener future for the European Union.Two key events, the annual Energy Efficiency Day and the inaugural “Sustainable Construction Talks,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to highlight the urgency of the challenge and chart a course for progress.
At the European Parliament, the third annual Energy Efficiency Day, organized by the European alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE), saw Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) emphasize the pivotal role energy efficiency plays in the EU’s broader sustainability goals.
Adding to the momentum, the first-ever “Sustainable Construction Talks” took place in Brussels, focusing on driving sustainable practices within the construction sector. Organized in partnership with Saint-gobain, a global leader in sustainable building materials, the talks provided a platform for cross-sector dialog and collaboration.
TheUrgency of Building renovation: A Megaproject for a Sustainable Future
We sat down with seán Kelly, MEP (EPP), who spearheaded the new energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) as rapporteur, to gain deeper insights.
World Today News: Mr. Kelly, you emphasized that the ”next five years will define the next fifty years.” Can you elaborate on the importance of this timeframe in the context of building renovation?
Seán Kelly: Absolutely.We’re at a crucial juncture. The EPBD sets ambitious targets for improving building energy efficiency, but the next few years will be critical for turning these ambitions into reality. Drastically reducing the energy consumption of existing buildings is not just about environmental sustainability; it’s about creating a more resilient, competitive EU economy and addressing social challenges like energy poverty.
“Buildings are at the heart of the EU transition.”
– Seán Kelly, MEP
World Today news: You mentioned the role of buildings in addressing energy poverty. Can you explain the link?
Seán Kelly: Energy-efficient buildings translate to lower energy bills for citizens. This is notably crucial for vulnerable households who are disproportionately affected by energy price fluctuations. Improving building energy performance is a direct way to alleviate energy poverty and ensure affordable access to essential services like heating and cooling.
Financing the Transition: Overcoming Barriers to Sustainable Construction
We also spoke with Benoit Bazin, CEO of Saint-Gobain, to gain a outlook on the industry’s role in driving sustainable construction.
World Today News: Mr. Bazin, Saint-gobain has been a vocal advocate for sustainable construction. What are the primary challenges in accelerating the transition towards more energy-efficient buildings?
Benoit Bazin: While innovative, energy-efficient solutions are readily available, scaling up their deployment is where the real challenge lies. We need a combination of supportive policies, access to finance, and committed stakeholders across the value chain. The construction sector needs to move quickly and efficiently; it’s not about waiting for the “perfect” solution, but about implementing the best available technologies and materials today.
“Innovation in the construction sector is about scale and speed.”
– Benoit Bazin,CEO Saint-Gobain
World Today News: How can financial instruments be better leveraged to support the renovation of existing buildings?
Benoit Bazin: We need to explore innovative financing mechanisms like green bonds,energy performance contracts,and public-private partnerships. Making financing more accessible and attractive for building owners, particularly small-scale ones, is crucial for driving widespread adoption of energy-efficient solutions.
Toward a More Sustainable Future: The Path Forward
the events of December 4th underscored the urgent need for a collective effort to prioritize sustainable construction and energy efficiency. from policymakers crafting ambitious directives to industry leaders innovating with new materials and technologies, every stakeholder has a role to play in shaping a greener, more sustainable future for the EU.
Let us know your thoughts on these critically important issues in the comments below. What steps can we take individually and collectively to support the transition toward a more sustainable built habitat?
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