A renovation wave for Europe: towards greener buildings, creating jobs and improving lives

In October 2020, HOTREC warmly welcomed the European Commission Communication on the Renovation Wave initiative and the related Council conclusions. Reaching carbon neutrality in Europe by 2050 will require ambitious energy-efficient buildings and therefore revising the existing legislation. We recently summed up our views on the matter on our position on a renovation wave for Europe.

Buildings are responsible for 40% of total energy consumption and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. At the same time, the current building standards rate 75% of buildings in the EU as energy-inefficient.

HOTREC considers the following principles and actions key to boosting building renovation for greener hospitality:

 

• Defend the principle of “energy efficiency first”.
• Universal standards should not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and it is necessary to consider national circumstances.
• Favour a holistic approach to attain the circular economy, improve digitalization, and promote the decarbonisation of heating and cooling supplies.
• Affordability and incentives are needed, in particular for SMEs.
• Promote the transparency principle without increasing red tape and awareness-raising campaigns.
• Develop skills and attract new talents.