EURIMA - European Mineral Wool Manufacturers Association Insulation

Bob Puts Europe on the Road to Success in Buildings

Bob the Builder one of the world's leading children's characters, presented Commissioner Margot Wallström with a new report from Eurima entitled Better Buildings through Energy Efficiency - A Roadmap for Europe.

The report by Eurima, the European Insulation Manufacturers Association, provides examples of best practices from countries across Europe and from around the world on energy efficiency in buildings. Based on this best practice the report offers policy makers with a specific policy roadmap for turning homes and offices from being Europe's biggest energy wasters to being its biggest climate savers.

Buildings need to be turned from energy wasters into climate savers

With 40% of Europe's energy used in buildings, they represent Europe's single biggest source of carbon dioxide emissions. With it possible to slash this energy use in half through simple measures such as wall and roof insulation, they are arguably Europe's biggest energy waster. If Europe and national governments are serious about tackling climate change, finding a way to turn buildings from energy wasters into climate savers will be key. The new report shows how this can be done.

Better Buildings through Energy Efficiency provides a clear path towards seizing the huge energy efficiency potential from buildings. A potential that could save Europe €270 billion a year in energy costs and reduce energy use by the equivalent of 3.3 million barrels of oil a day whilst creating up to 530,000 new jobs. The report, based on best practice examples from across Europe, demonstrates that it can be done and that it has been done.

Key results show the way for governments at all levels to improve buildings of all types

Better Buildings through Energy Efficiency provides a number of specific recommendations for all building types. However, a number of general conclusions can be drawn from this Europe-wide report.

It can be done: The study clearly demonstrates that for all situations, the right mix of measures can deliver significant improvements.
Tenure matters, regions don't: Surprisingly, the mix of elements needed to deliver important changes are practically the same everywhere in Europe. However, the tenure situation (private/public) and the type of building (new/existing) calls for different mixes of instruments.
Help me don't tell me: Information alone seems to deliver extremely limited results. Awareness of the need to act, is high, what is missing is a helping hand to support individuals and organisations through the complex process of improving a building.
Upfront money is key: Although energy efficiency improvements pay back many times over, ensuring that money is available for the upfront investment is essential.
Rules do help: For new buildings legally binding rules make a real difference; for existing buildings rules on minimum standards for renovation help, especially when combined with financing and a helping hand.

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Eurima - European Insulation Manufacturers Association (Mineral Wool)