A new study shows the benefits within the next twenty years of renovating the most energy-intensive buildings. On 12 October, the Italian government will participate in the final phase of negotiations on the European EPDB Directive for the energy performance of buildings.

According to research just published by the international consulting firm Guidehouse, if Italy invested in targeted redevelopment of the most energy-intensive buildings, citizens would save up to €94 billion on their bills. Even with the investment required for energy upgrades, the benefit in terms of energy savings would be 68% higher after only 20 years.

According to Monica Frassoni, President of the European Alliance for Energy Saving (EUASE), the will of Italians is clear: “Citizens want structural and long-term actions that will allow us to lower the cost of their bills.”

Read the full article in Sapereambiente

We call upon the co-legislator to seize a historic opportunity and prioritize the adoption of an ambitious Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) before the conclusion of the Spanish Presidency at the end of 2023.

Our appeal for urgent action is grounded in the recognition that a timely agreement on the EPBD is essential to bring an array of benefits for EU citizens and businesses. Our concern is that the debate is becoming excessively polarized based largely on inaccurate information and assumptions, which threatens to delay the delivery of much needed improvements to people`s homes and workplaces while diminishing efforts to lower bills and boost energy security and competitiveness.

The European Green Deal rightfully identifies the upgrade of the EU’s building stock as a key objective in the fight against climate change and the pursuit of our 2050 decarbonization goals. Since the war in Ukraine and the ensuing energy security challenges, we have been pursuing urgent strategies to attain energy independence. Highly efficient and smart buildings are the bedrock of energy security. By enhancing their energy efficiency through renovation and use of management systems, we can significantly reduce the energy required for heating, cooling and lighting, we can optimize consumption and contribute to grid optimization. The integration of digital solutions further unlocks the potential for renewable energy integration and flexibility, reducing even more our reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Read the full opinion-editorial on Euractiv.

More information on Energy Efficiency Day here & register here.