Hermann Dannecker (DEN, right) and Ralf Pasker (left) talking with MEP Jutta Paulus in Brussels © DEN/Mahrholdt
On day 1 the delegation visited the European Parliament in Brussels. After receiving some information regarding the decision making on European legislation there was a discussion with MEP Malte Gallée (Greens). Later that day MEP Jutta Paulus (Greens; member of ENVI committee and deputy member of ITRE committee) joint for dinner. Participants highlighted the important role thermal insulation of building envelopes needs to play if Europe wants to achieve its ambitious energy-efficiency objectives and how energy advisors can contribute delivering the necessary expertise. Ralf Pasker explained that insulating external walls first will ease the shift to renewable energies as the residual much lower energy demand is then much easier to be replaced e. g. by heat pumps and PV. Industry is willing to deliver, and technologies have already approved in practice. However, he reminded that all actors along the value chain require somehow reliable framework conditions to take urgently required investment decisions, both in terms of production capacities and manpower. He pointed out that EAE members appreciate the policy measures of the Fit-for-55 package and the huge budgets made available supporting funding on national level. However, continuity is needed instead of a flash in the pan.
The meeting with Renovate Europe was arranged by EAE and offered already one highlight at the beginning. Carlos Flores (Australian Energy Efficiency Council) was on his journey to Europe collecting experience and good practice examples on how to improve the energy-efficiency of our building stock. In return he informed about the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS). It turned out to be quite successful to drive the Australian market for non-residential buildings towards energy-efficiency improvements.
During a round-table-discussion all participants highlighted the important role of energy audits, energy consultants, one-stop-shops and individual building renovation pathways to guide building owners towards a net carbon neutral building stock by 2050 and to ensure reliable quality whilst avoiding lock-in effects. These important cornerstones are essential for the revision of the EPBD and the EED.
