The construction industry, a sector which accounts for roughly 40% of Europe's energy consumption, plays a vital role in helping member states meet energy efficiency targets. The promotion of more efficient building techniques and products is seen as crucial. ENVI has called for a strengthening of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which would support energy efficiency renovations in old building stock and see the rate of renovations throughout Europe ramped up. Currently, the EPBD obliges property owners to improve the energy performance of a building during major renovations. But only 1% of buildings are renovated each year. According to a report by the European Commission, 75% of the EU's building stock is energy inefficient and it says more needs to be done to accelerate the rate of energy performance improvements. Strengthening the EPBD could be a driving force for this. 'The clear pathway set in the 2010 EPBD for new buildings allowed industry actors to prepare for new market conditions. Existing buildings now need a strong market signal to create conditions for the emergence of a highly energy efficient building stock,' said Ms Wong speaking about the EPBD proposals. The EU set an ambitious goal of becoming a low-carbon economy by 2050, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by then. Currently, buildings are responsible for about 36% of energy-related CO emissions. To reach its goal, the EU needs to improve energy performance in the building sector. Earlier this month, The Industry, Transport and Energy Committee (ITRE), which is the European Parliament's lead committee on the directive, adopted its proposed revisions to the EPBD, taking a strong stance on building renovation and energy efficiency ahead of talks with the Council. The report adopted by the committee shows a strong 2050 vision for the building sector. It significantly improves on the Commission's proposals and counterbalances the weak general approach adopted by the Energy Council.

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