Construction, use and demolition of buildings causes major environment and climate pressures but smart renovations that focus on efficient use of energy and resources can help Europe increase the sustainability of its housing sector, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report published this week.
Renovations, sustainable building materials can boost Europe’s green transition
The EEA report ’Addressing the environmental and climate footprint of buildings’ assesses the current state of Europe’s buildings stock and looks at what is needed to make Europe’s buildings more sustainable. Renovating existing buildings with sustainable materials while improving climate resilience and working with nature are key. The report also explores what policy actions are needed to achieve that by 2050.
More than 30% of the EU’s environmental footprint comes from buildings, making it the sector with the highest environmental impact. About one third of the Union’s material consumption goes to construction. The use of buildings accounts for 42% of the total energy consumption and 35% of greenhouse gas emissions. Decommissioning buildings leads to the largest waste stream in the EU by weight. Although recycling rates of demolition waste are high, they mainly lead to low-value downcycling, the EEA report says.
Ageing populations, increasing affluence and changing climate are expected to change demands for buildings’ particular uses in Europe, the EEA report notes. More buildings are likely to be needed in cities, and buildings need to contribute to environment and climate solutions, including energy saving and production, protection from climate hazards, and restoring nature.
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Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 
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