By Harry Fernau, Global Market Manager – Real Estate Solutions, SGS
Europe is leading the climate action charge, with a commitment to become the first carbon neutral continent by 2050. It is estimated that the built environment accounts for approximately 40% of energy consumption and 36% of carbon dioxide emissions in the European Union.
Green Buildings Certification
Implementing green buildings at scale will have to play an important part of the EU building strategy to reduce the total greenhouse gas emissions. New initiatives such as the Renovation Wave put retrofitting existing building stock to meet the decarbonisation targets front and centre of policy. To reduce the risk of greenwashing, the implementation of retrofit at scale, particularly where green finance is involved, should include certification as validation of the decarbonisation efforts.