Europe is in a buildings crisis. Its inefficient housing stock is a root cause of energy poverty and has a major impact on our health and wealth.
No one should see the heat escape through their windows or be faced with unaffordable energy bills because the walls are badly insulated. Everyone deserves a decent and comfortable place to call home.
But this is not the case. More than two thirds for Europe’s buildings are deemed inefficient and 15% of Europeans live in houses with a leaking roof or damp walls, foundations or floors. None of which are good for their annual spend or well-being.
It’s about time that decision-makers deliver on their promise to fix Europe’s buildings and tackling energy poverty by delivering on the buildings legislation designed to provide safe, efficient and healthy homes for all. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (the EPBD) is an opportunity for all of the above as well as lower bills, decent housing and reduced reliance on fossil fuels for low-income households.
An effective EPBD would mean long-term solutions for the energy poor, substantial EU funds for renovations, obligations for landlords and protections for renters. It would prioritise the worst performing buildings and assist households on lower incomes. The time to deliver such a piece of legislation is now.
The EPBD will be finalised this year, in the midst of an energy price crisis that forces more and more people to choose between heating and eating, so it’s absolutely crucial to urge our leaders to mobilise the power of energy efficiency in our homes! Will you join us in helping to educate, inspire and engage others to take action?
