Renovation of buildings
Europe has a rich architectural heritage. This can also be seen in the age of housing. Indicatively, based on the 2011 census, it is observed that although in countries such as Finland, Slovakia, Greece, and Cyprus only 1 in 10 buildings were built before 1946 in countries such as Denmark, Belgium, and the United Kingdom more than 1/3 of the houses were built before 1946. In most European countries a large proportion of buildings were constructed in the post-war period between 1946 and 1980: around 45-50 % of the housing stock in Germany, the Baltic Member States, Greece, Hungary, Finland, and Sweden was built during this period, rising to 50-60 % in Italy, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania.
Dwellings built after 2000, by NUTS level 3 region, 2011 (% share of all dwellings)
Source: Eurostat (Census hub HC53)
In order to make housing more energy efficient and sustainable there has been a wave of building renovations. Alongside the achievement of energy efficiency targets, it is important to make efforts to preserve the rich architectural heritage, thereby preserving historical and cultural values while implementing modern energy solutions. Energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission targets make building renovations necessary, usually involving improved insulation, modernization of heating and cooling systems and the integration of renewable energy technologies (e.g. solar panels, heat pumps). Technological developments such as better insulation materials, triple glazed windows and smart home technologies that improve energy efficiency are also contributing to this effort. Combined with a skilled workforce, renovations are more efficient.
More specifically, the EU's Renovation Wave initiative which is a national long-term building renovation strategy aims to double building renovation rates by 2030 with some of its objectives being to tackle energy poverty and decarbonize heating and cooling.
Further information:
European Commission’s Renovation Wave Strategy
In addition, through legislation the EU is establishing the Energy Performance of Buildings Directives (EPBD), thereby imposing performance standards that countries must follow to develop comprehensive long-term renovation strategies.
In order to encourage people to renovate their homes, the EU offer various incentives such as grants, subsidies, tax credits and lower loans to mitigate the resulting financial burden. In addition, there is an emphasis on social housing renovation which aims to improve the living conditions of people with lower incomes and to tackle energy poverty.
Further information:
Supporting affordable and social housing in taking on the challenge of renovation