Earlier this week, EBC attended the second meeting of the Power-to-Buildings Business Hub in Brussels. Power-to-Buildings is an initiative by Eurelectric, the federation of the European electricity industry, aiming to bring together relevant segments of the energy and buildings value chain as well as policymakers, to periodically exchange on the steps needed in order to accelerate the renovation of buildings for a clean European energy architecture and sustainable buildings. EBC had also attended the initial Peer Exchange meeting for this year that was held in Paris at the end of February.
This meeting gathered actors revolving around the decarbonisation of the EU building stock and electrification. Participants explored the challenges and opportunities related to the energy efficiency of buildings, notably reflecting on the following questions: How can the sector achieve higher level of energy efficiency and fulfil end-consumers’ demands all while sufficiently maintaining their comfort? What is the right incentive structure for investing in and renovating buildings to increase energy efficiency and lower energy demand?
Participants notably had the opportunity to receive a presentation of the latest developments on the ongoing revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) by Mr Pau Garcia Audi, Policy Officer at DG ENER of the European Commission. An interesting exchange followed with participants noting the opportunities and challenges arising from the extensive reforms expected to be introduced in the EPBD. A number of presentations from peers followed, centred around innovative solutions, technologies and best practices that have proved to contribute to energy efficiency in buildings, infrastructures, and utilities. The efficiency of electrical installations in buildings, decentralised energy systems and home charging of electric vehicles featured among the topics covered.
EBC took the opportunity to reiterate its support for an ambitious and realistic revision of the EPBD, that will come with the necessary financial support of building owners of worst performing buildings who are expected to be mandated to proceed with energy renovations.
 | To learn more about the Power-to-Buildings initiative, visit the website. |