The European Commission’s recent «Energy Union» framework strategy indicates that 75% of European households are energy inefficient. And there is also a large potential for energy savings in public buildings in the EU. The objective of increasing the energy renovation of buildings, and paving the way for a smooth transition to the new nZEB-near Zero Energy Buildings standard, requires a multidisciplinary approach, based on improving competitiveness, generating skilled jobs, fostering innovation and reducing energy poverty, in line with the European objectives of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

The aim is to make a proposal with a high replicability impact that should include the design of innovative financial instruments, adapted to the needs of citizens, new mechanisms that contribute to a more competitive business fabric, special programmes to support innovation and innovative collaborative actions, with a focus on vulnerable groups. Homeowners, the business sector, policy makers, local authorities, knowledge institutes and vulnerable groups will benefit from the project.

Quite a challenge.