Renovation Wave: doubling the renovation rate to cut emissions, boost recovery and reduce energy poverty.

To pursue the this ambition of energy gains and economic growth, the Commission published on 14 October 2020 a new strategy to boost renovation called A Renovation Wave for Europe – Greening our buildings, creating jobs, improving lives.

The renovation wave aims to double annual energy renovation rates in the next ten years. These renovations will enhance the quality of life for people living in and using the buildings, reduce Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, and create up to 160,000 additional green jobs in the construction sector.

With nearly 34 million Europeans unable to afford keeping their home heated, renovation is a response to energy poverty and addresses the health and wellbeing of vulnerable people and helps reduce their energy bills. The Commission has also published a recommendation on tackling energy poverty for EU countries.

The renovation wave initiative will build on measures agreed under the Clean energy for all Europeans package, notably the requirement for each EU country to publish a long-term building renovation strategy (LTRS), other aspects of the amending Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings ((EU) 2018/844), and building-related aspects of each EU country's national energy and climate plans (NECP).