“Major changes” are needed to ensure the decarbonisation of buildings in the EU if the bloc is to make a success of its energy transition and comply with the Paris Agreement, the European Academies’ Scientific Advisory Council (EASAC) said in a report published on Wednesday (2 June). EURACTIV France reports.
In its report, the EASAC warned that it is no longer enough to build more eco-friendly buildings, but that existing structures must also be renovated. According to the European Commission, buildings are responsible for 36% of the bloc’s greenhouse gas emissions.
However, of the highly polluting buildings already constructed across the bloc, only between 1% and 1.5% are being renovated each year.