The European Commission published in 2020 its Renovation Wave strategy to improve the energy performance of buildings. The Commission aims to at least double renovation rates over the next ten years and ensure that renovations lead to greater energy and resource efficiency. This will improve the quality of life for people living in and using buildings, reduce Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, encourage digitisation and improve the reuse and recycling of materials. By 2030, 35 million buildings could be renovated and up to 160,000 additional green jobs could be created in the construction sector. How will this impact Spain?

Buildings are responsible for about 40% of the EU’s energy consumption and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. However, only 1% of buildings are renovated in an energy efficient way each year, so effective action is essential to make Europe climate neutral by 2050.

Given that almost 34 million Europeans cannot afford to keep their homes heated, public policies to promote energy efficient renovation are also a response to fuel poverty, support people’s health and well-being and help reduce their energy bills. The mission we must achieve: we want everyone in Europe to have a home that they can light, heat or cool without ruining the planet. The wave of renovation will improve the places where we work, live and study, while reducing our impact on the environment and providing jobs for thousands of Europeans.

We need better buildings if we are to build back better. Green recovery starts at home. This will be a game changer for homeowners, tenants and public authorities.