This week, in a joint statement sent to Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, EBC along with another 20 industry associations called upon the European Commission to make energy efficiency of buildings a key element in its long-term outlook towards. The statement emphasises that energy efficiency is already a European success story, one that can deliver lower energy bills, climate resilience, and millions of quality local jobs, especially in the construction sector.
The co-signatories propose five lines of action with long-term perspective
For construction SMEs, securing a predictable and ambitious policy environment is crucial. Frequent changes or delays in national renovation strategies or EU-level legislation, particularly the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), can stall investments and workforce planning. SMEs operate with tight margins and limited capacity to absorb regulatory uncertainty, making long-term clarity essential.
Equally important is improving access to financing. Many building owners and SMEs struggle to navigate complex EU funding schemes or unlock private capital for renovation projects. The joint statement calls, among others, for dedicated and accessible EU funding to meet energy efficiency targets the stimulation of private investment through blended finance and technical assistance via instruments like InvestEU and ELENA , the creation of stable national support schemes by Member States, or engaging banks via mortgage standards and backing innovative financing models, such as EIB-backed initiatives focused on SME energy efficiency.
Labour shortages present another critical challenge. . Co-signatories urge the European Commission to work with Member States and industry to map current skills and anticipate future workforce needs in the energy renovation sector. It calls for dedicated funding for training, both to boost capacity in public authorities and to upskill project developers, contractors, and construction workers.
The statement also notes that renovation plays a key role in enabling better-insulated buildings that allow for more efficient use of electricity and reduce stress on energy grids. Finally, the co-signatories ask for greater recognition of the energy efficiency sector as a strategic industrial ecosystem producing in Europe. As the EU prepares its next set of climate and industrial policies, EBC and its construction SMEs are committed to deliver the Renovation Wave, but they need stability and targeted financial and technical support. Aligned with our EBC priorities for the 2024-2029 legislature, EBC emphasises that energy renovation is not just a climate solution, but an economic opportunity that can revitalise local economies.
To read the Joint Industry Statement on Energy Efficiency, click here.
To read the EBC priorities for the 2024-2029 legislature, click here.
