Kelly to lead energy performance of buildings legislation

Seán Kelly MEP has been appointed EPP Group Rapporteur for the European Parliament’s revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), a key component of the EU “Renovation Wave” and the European Green Deal.

The Directive seeks to modernise EU buildings, to make them fit for a greener and more digital society, all the while creating thousands of sustainable careers across Europe.

“There can be no doubt about it, achieving climate neutrality will depend on how we decarbonise our building stock. Decarbonisation of the entire buildings sector is vital to deliver on EU climate and energy objectives. Yet, in Europe today, 75 percent of buildings are not energy efficient, mostly because many of them were constructed before the current requirements were in place”, Kelly said.

“Therefore, efficient, technological and smarter buildings must be the cornerstone of Europe’s decarbonisation. About 85-95pc of today’s buildings will still be in use by 2050, showing the dire need to upgrade the energy efficiency of our existing buildings”, the Ireland South MEP added.

“I want to see buildings recognised as a key contributor to the flexibility of the energy system, through energy production, storage and demand response, as well as green charging stations for electric vehicles. And so I welcome the fact that the EU plans to renovate up to 35 million buildings by 2030, while closer to home, the Irish government have committed to retrofitting 500,000 homes in the same period.” MEP Kelly highlighted.

 “The challenge will now be to attract enough workers into retrofitting and highlighting that this is a long-term, rewarding career for our young people. Energy refurbishment of buildings is labour-intensive, and the industry is dominated by local businesses. I would like to see ambitious renovation schemes inject much-needed stimulus into local economies.” Kelly concluded.