On 18 November 2014 EBC co-organised a dinner-debate on sustainability in the renovation of buildings, along with the European Parliament Gypsum Forum and Glass for Europe.
The discussion focused on how Europe can save costs, improve its energy security and the quality of life of the citizens thanks to energy efficient buildings. In order to achieve such objectives, the construction and renovation of buildings must better optimise the resources.
Among the high-level participants, Director General Calleja Crespo spoke during the event. MEP Paul Rübig and MEP Julie Girling – co-chairs of the EP Gypsum Forum – respectively opened and closed the dinner.
During the dinner, EBC Secretary General Riccardo Viaggi first provided some key figures about the construction sector and its impact on both the environment and climate.
He also added that the construction sector is crucial to implement the regulatory framework composed of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive, built on the assumption that renovation of existing buildings will be the main target of this effort.
Energy efficiency is a major market driver in the building sector: not only does it create local and skilled jobs, but it also contributes to reducing Europe’s costs for energy imports whilst improving quality of life and reducing fuel poverty.