Governments need to implement EU and national legislation around building renovation and decarbonisation, such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), in a manner that is inclusive and will deliver benefits for all.
The social & environmental benefits of ambitious and targeted action on people’s homes are clear. Here are five ways better buildings will deliver better lives.
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Lower energy bills
Renovating residential buildings in the EU will lead up to a 44% reduction in energy used for heating buildings. By persistently putting worst-performing homes first, decision-makers will be able to lower energy bills and offer relief to low income households faster.
Heating, cooking, lighting, are essential needs in a home. Everyone should be able to do so in an affordable, efficient, and renewable way.
Increased comfort & health
In 2023, 47.4 million EU citizens couldn’t afford proper heating. In aging, unfit housing, leaks and poor ventilation can allow for mold and other allergens to develop. Poor housing conditions directly impact health, causing respiratory infections, asthma, injuries, stress, and costing thousands of lives each year.
Insulated homes with comfortable indoor temperatures are essential for people. And added benefits can quickly scale up – renovating worst-performing homes could save the European health sector up to €42 billion annually.
Decent affordable homes
Over 10% of EU households spend more than 40% of their income on housing. Rents have gone up by 16% and house prices have gone up by 37% in the last decade. Unaffordable prices force millions of people to choose between decent homes and affording basic necessities like food.
People shouldn’t stay locked into unfit homes because it’s the only thing they can afford. A variety of funding and financing options for renovations are necessary to ease the cost of living crisis, and provide affordable efficient housing for all.
Deal with climate change
As the climate gets more extreme, we need our homes to be adapted to keep us cool in heat waves, warm during hard winters, and protected against events like wildfires and floods.
Buildings contribute 38% of EU emissions. If we can reduce these through better insulation, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change. And, at the same time, make our homes safer and climate-resilient.
No lock-ins
The most vulnerable people shouldn’t have to rely on energy sources that will harm their health and their wallet, like gas boilers. Leaving them last in the energy transition means they will be stuck with outdated infrastructure that is unaffordable.
To avoid such lock-ins, decision-makers should make efficient systems powered by renewable energy available, such as heat pumps, to all.
Build Better Lives is a campaign uniting social, housing, climate and youth movements to promote the need for well-insulated buildings, with heating & cooling systems powered by renewable energy. Especially for the millions of Europeans currently living in energy poverty, this is an urgent matter that warrants dedicated action. Follow their website or LinkedIn page for news and ways to support the campaign.
