“These talks with our company members are essential to get direct feedback from market players and to better understand how the market is developing”, Ralf Pasker says. The discussions with Stefan Endlweber enforced the impressions from previous meetings with other members.
All EAE members remain committed to the overall objectives of the European Green Deal, aiming to decarbonize Europe’s huge and still widely inefficient building stock and to contribute to a circular economy. In addition, the competitiveness of European companies needs to be strengthened and bureaucratic burden to be lowered as especially SMEs – but not only those – are really willing to invest but need to allocate capacities on topics that create only little growth potential. A fair balance between ecological and economical objectives is requested from both the new European Commission and member states’ governments.
Reliability and predictability
Another crucial aspect from companies’ point of view is the reliability and predictability of legislation, technical and financial support for energy-efficiency renovations and net-zero new constructions. To achieve the EU2030, the proposed EU2040 and the agreed EU2050 objectives, the market uptake needs to be significantly accelerated with for example renovation rates more than double.
We observe numerous national markets that offer a mid-term trajectory, leading to more stable market developments. In contrast, countries with highly volatile framework conditions and stop-and-go policymaking show dramatic declines in building activities, including ETICS. “We are lacking a clear perspective and positive storytelling in support of the green transition”, Stefan Endlweber states. “Else, we will never take people on board.” Currently especially private end-users are confused and refrain from taking action.
Efficiency first
Finally, the focus on single technologies is not seen very supportive as buildings require a set of measures to become highly energy efficient. The solutions are already available on the market. Unfortunately, the focus is often on the supply side. The efficiency-first principle as set out in the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) needs to be considered and holistic approaches are key. Building specific renovation roadmaps guide owners to deep or staged-deep improvements. “If the fossil-fueled heating device has been installed just five years ago, why should the building owner replace it immediately?”, Stefan Endlweber asks. “If the building envelope gets well insulated, for example involving ETICS, the heating demand will be significantly reduced and with it the GHG emissions.” Furthermore, thermal insulation contributes to healthier and more comfortable indoor climate. The heating device can then be replaced at a later stage in this example. The best sequence of measures always needs to be considered individually taking account of both the existing building structure and the financial capability of the building owner. One-stop-shops would lower the barrier to urgently needed investments and should be supported in member states’ action plans as to be developed according to the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
Energy Efficiency Guide 2024
Ralf Pasker took the opportunity of the visit to hand over a copy of the newly released Energy Efficiency Guide 2024, a perfect meta study prepared by Forschungsinstitut für Wärmeschutz e.V. München (FIW München) on behalf of EAE. It includes many backgrounds and recommendations for political decision-makers. Stefan Endlweber welcomed the study and asked for additional copies to be used by Baukom Bauprodukte GmbH in their conversations with partners and decision-makers in various EU member states. The study is also available for download on EAE’s website ((hier Link einfügen)).
Many thanks for the hospitality and the open exchange! To be continued…
