On Tuesday, 17th January we held our online event “Empowering Central and Eastern Europe through Energy Efficiency: Navigating Energy Security, Fit for 55, and Rebuilding Ukraine”.
The Campaign Director of Renovate Europe Adrian Joyce launched the session and then Katarína Nikodemová, Director of Budovy pre budúcnosť, moderated a discussion on the three main themes of this year’s conference: energy security, the Fit for 55 package, and rebuilding Ukraine.
MEP Martin Hojsik addressed the latest state of play on the EPBD recast. He referred to how the European Parliament’s latest provisional deal is more ambitious than the European Commission proposal, the presence of derogations that water down ambition, and how the EPP has asked to revisit the political deal.
He added, “The energy renovation and green transformation are unique opportunities that we are overlooking. It is not only about how to renovate but about having a solid industrial policy and upskilling the workforce. These are crucial elements.”
Anne Weidenbach, Commissioner Simson’s Cabinet, then talked on REPowerEU and Fit for 55: “Structural changes are needed and energy efficiency in buildings plays a key role. Already before REPowerEU, the Commission had calculated that, when implemented, the Fit for 55 could reduce gas consumption by 30%. Improving a building’s EPC by 2 classes could also achieve 30% energy savings.”
But what is the situation at a national level, what is the role of Member States on implementation of EU directives? Petr Holub, Director Buildings21: “National implementation of the EPBD is key. But not only via the transposition of directives but also making sure that renovation work takes place, for example when the worker actually comes and does quality renovation, and then you operate the building effectively.” A more concrete finance and technical assistance framework is also key for financing energy renovation schemes.
Finally, the Executive Director of BPIE – Buildings Performance Institute Europe Oliver Rapf provided some thoughts on the future rebuilding of Ukraine. He emphasised the need to face the challenge by taking a humanistic and participatory approach, “Rebuilding Ukraine should respond to the immediate needs of the citizens but also focus on a long-term and sustainable path.”
A lively debate full of audience input concluded the session.
You can now watch the full recording of yesterday’s event below:
