“The relatively simple act of renovating residential homes with proper insulation would result in a 44% reduction in the amount of natural gas used for heating. This is not only a substantial decrease in energy consumption, it is also a big decrease in associated carbon emissions — This is the superpower of buildings” says David Ducarme of Knauf Insulation in Foresight Climate & Energy, ahead of the second edition of European Energy Efficiency Day.
Europe’s built environment is the single largest consumer of energy. It is also one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide (CO2). But while the building stock’s carbon footprint may be big, it also has a superpower that can be unlocked using energy-efficient renovations.
For energy efficiency to be more than an after thought, it needs to be viewed as another element in the power mix. According to calculations by the Buildings Performance Institute of Europe (BPIE), the relatively simple act of renovating residential homes with proper insulation would result in a 44% reduction in the amount of natural gas used for heating.
This is not only a substantial decrease in energy consumption, it is also a big decrease in associated carbon emissions—a decrease that would help put Europe on track to becoming the world’s first climate-neutral continent.
This is the superpower of buildings.
But unlocking this power requires policies that deliver energy efficiency, which is why the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) could not be timelier.
Read the full article on Foresight Climate & Energy.
More information on Energy Efficiency Day here & Register here.
In a fast-changing political and economic environment, 2025 was a year of continued efforts to strengthen security, stability, and competitiveness for European businesses.
Throughout the year, our work demonstrated that energy efficiency is not only essential to achieving climate goals, but also a key driver of innovation, energy independence and sustainable long-term growth across Europe.
Strong engagement with policymakers, combined with the successful organisation of the 4th European Energy Efficiency Day, highlighted the importance of collaboration and dialogue in advancing shared objectives. Partnerships across sectors and institutions remained central to delivering impact and shaping effective energy policies.
Looking ahead to 2026, we will intensify our efforts to secure the regulatory certainty that can accelerate the energy transition, while providing businesses with the investment confidence they need and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
Read the full Activity Report here.