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Insulating the economy: why the EU must aim high on its buildings directive

(EurActiv, 24 Jan 2023) The majority of buildings in Europe are not energy efficient, and a revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is needed to give businesses and investors a clearer policy direction, write Ursula Woodburn, Stephanie Pfeifer and Mike Peirce.

Ursula Woodburn is Head of EU relations at CLG Europe. Stephanie Pfeifer is the CEO of the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC). Mike Peirce is Executive Director of Systems Change at Climate Group

The European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy Committee will soon vote on a key component of the ‘Fit for 55’ Package: the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

This legislation is not only important for achieving the EU’s climate goals but is also an opportunity to create better residential and commercial buildings while reducing bills.

Up to 90% of time is spent at home, and heating, cooling and hot water account for 80% of the energy consumed there. The EPBD is therefore meaningful at an individual, national and global level.

An ambitious and robust revision of this directive could help to address today’s cost-of-living and energy security crises while creating a more inclusive, competitive and growing economy.

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EurActiv, 24 Jan 2023: Insulating the economy: why the EU must aim high on its buildings directive