Copenhagen,
03
November
2014
|
00:00
Europe/Copenhagen

EU countries missing out on dual gains, energy savings and better health

Summary

A report published today, 3 November 2014, by The Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) reveals that 6 out of 10 EU member states have submitted renovation strategies that are not compliant with Article 4 of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive. An opportunity is being missed to stop energy waste in buildings and kick-start economies – and, not least, to improve the health of people living and working in renovated buildings.

The report "Renovation Strategies of Selected EU Countries", analyzing national renovation strategies in 10 EU countries, reveals that 6 of those 10 countries have not succeeded in setting a clear, strategic path, and most lack bold and determined action plans. Furthermore, 6 months after the European Commission's deadline, 6 out of 28 member states have still not published their strategies.

The disclosed results surprise the VELUX Group, a global leader in the building industry and manufacturer of roof windows and modular skylights, as it sees a great, untapped potential in sharpening the focus on renovation of buildings.

There's a lot of opportunities to be missed in the countries with no or less ambitious renovation strategies. Stop energy waste in buildings and kick-start the economy, as the Renovate Europe Campaign states. In fact, it is not only about reducing energy use but also about green growth, health and jobs. And, according to our customers all over Europe, that is what really matters.

We would also have liked to see the prioritization of health and a good indoor climate in the renovation strategies. We spend 90% of our time in buildings − and buildings account for 40% of all energy consumption. We regret that this dual challenge isn't addressed in the strategies. Energy savings and healthy buildings should go hand in hand.
Ingrid Reumert, Vice President of Stakeholder Communication and Sustainability in the VELUX Group.

There are many good reasons for turning buildings into safe, efficient and healthy places. A study by the Technical University of Denmark shows that pupils' learning abilities can be improved by up to 15% when the indoor climate is improved, and those students with the most daylight in their classrooms progressed 20% faster in maths tests and 26% in reading tests.

Furthermore, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that 10-50% of the indoor environments where people live, work and play in Europe are damped, and that humid buildings are known to cause health problems such as allergies and asthma. On the other hand, new or retrofitted buildings that are too airtight can overheat which also has implications on health and well-being.