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The Renovation Wave

In May 2020, the European Commission issued the Renovation Wave Roadmap with the aim to achieve better buildings’ energy efficiency and higher renovation rates. Fire Safe Europe believes that inserting fire safety and fire resilience in the Renovation Wave could contribute to its objectives, such as:

  • To stimulate the volume and depth of renovation;

  • To tackle worst performing buildings and energy poverty;

  • To have the public sector and public buildings lead by example.

 

That’s why Fire Safe Europe has been working towards the inclusion of fire safety and fire resilience in the Renovation Wave Initiatives, like:

  • The 2021 Revision of the Energy Efficiency Directive;

  • The 2021 Revision of the Renewable Energy Directive;

  • The 2021 Revision of the Energy Performance of Building Directive.

Fire Safe Europe Position Paper:

Fire Resilience to Strengthen the Renovation Wave

The Renovation Wave is a unique opportunity to make the EU building stock fit for the future. That’s why Fire Safe Europe encourages the European Commission and the Member States to ensure fire safety and fire resilience are included in the initiative and that it provides for deep and holistic renovations.

In the EU, energy use in buildings is responsible for approximately 40% of EU energy consumption, and 36% of carbon emissions. Yet, 75% of European buildings are energy inefficient. As the European Commission’s Roadmap on “A Renovation Wave Initiative for public and private buildings acknowledges, buildings have an essential role to play in reaching the EU’s carbon neutrality and energy-efficiency objectives. The Renovation Wave is indeed a powerful tool to make our buildings fit for the future.

 

The Renovation Wave is a once in a decade opportunity to improve both the sustainability and the safety of our buildings, and we must do it right. The emphasis put on “deeper renovation” and complementary dimensions are crucial, and we believe the inclusion of fire safety and fire resilience in the Renovation Wave will generate valuable cross-dimensional returns for individuals and society.

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