The role of cities and regions in the Renovation Wave, training to increase professionals in the field of buildings and energy performance as well as the need to create the right environment and setup to ensure private investment were the main issues raised by EPP-CoR members during an online conference on Financing the Renovation Wave organised by the Commission for the Environment, Climate change and Energy (ENVE) as part of the Green Deal Going Local initiative of the CoR and as a satellite event of the European Climate Pact. The event brought together local and regional actors responsible to realize concrete renovation projects, and the institutions and initiatives that support these projects.
Vlasta Krmelj, Vice-President of the Financing and Investments Working Group – FEDARENE, Director – ENERGAP and Mayor of the Municipality of Selnica ob Dravi said that "the FEADARENE with over 80 members, has been the EU’s partner in making the green transition happen on the ground, for more than 30 years. Energy Agencies across Europe stand ready to translate the Renovation Wave into concrete programmes that leverage massive investments. They are market facilitators with public mandates, providing technical assistance to municipalities, regions, companies and citizens, having the ability to connect stakeholders and governance levels. They have competence and expertise for buildings, technology, value chains as well as experience in structuring financing models with multiple funding streams."
Rastislav Trnka, Chairman of Košice Self-Governing Region spoke on ongoing plans in his region for the modernization of high schools. He said that deep renovation of buildings is a complex process involving about 15 professions. Trnka added that training for these professionals is essential to ensure a truly high-quality renovation. "The purpose of the training must be to create a next generation of workers who know the principles, have the skills to convert existing structures to almost zero energy buildings."
Addressing the issue of financial resources needed for the Renovation Wave Trnka said "To accelerate renovations, we must ensure sufficient and easily accessible financial resources. Combinations of repayable and non-repayable forms of support appear to be a good solution. It is essential that policy instruments and national incentives mobilize private financial resources and create a good environment for private capital inflows."
Background information
Europe’s buildings account for 40% of EU energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions, with more than 34 million Europeans at risk of energy poverty and unable to heat their homes as a result of poor energy performance. Renovation will help to combat these problems and help the EU to become climate neutral by 2050, but significant effort is needed to stimulate investment.
Renovation of buildings is often a competence of the sub-national authorities, and is an area where local and regional authorities can have a significant impact, while also greatly benefitting from any technical and financial support.