Renovation target for public buildings is needed!

by Béatrice Alcaraz on 24 January 2012 / 183 visites

The currently discussed draft of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) stipulates that the “public sector” shall ensure that at least 3% of its buildings’ area is renovated each year.
Energy Cities agrees that the public sector should lead by example.

Even though we are aware that for some cities this might be seen as a breach of the subsidiarity principle, we welcome the introduction of a binding refurbishment rate for public buildings, as a smart complement of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD; Directive 2010/31/EU).
3% per year means that the whole building stock will be refurbished in 33 years (more than a generation).

Although today only a small number of local authorities has annual renovation rates above 2%, we see the uptake of the 3% rate as a chance to stimulate the local economy in time of crisis. Building refurbishment has to be seen as an opportunity for energy savings and local economic development including creation of jobs and not only as a cost.

When talking about renovation, Energy Cities comprehends major refurbishments - that include measures on both the building envelope and the technical building systems - to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements set by Member States.

But refurbishment of the building stock by local authorities requires adequate financing. Therefore Energy Cities requests that both at EU and national levels, (innovative) financing schemes be set up to support local and regional authorities.
In light of this, we fully support the priorities set out in the future ERDF budget dedicated to energy efficiency, renewable energy and urban policies, as laid down in the proposal for an EU long-term budget 2014-2020. Fund management has to become totally transparent.

This is also the reason why Energy Cities is requesting the introduction of a new article dealing with financing of energy saving and efficiency measures.