First published in Passive House Plus, issue 45
In this new #BuildingLife blog post, Ciarán Cuffe, Member of the European Parliament (MEP), and Rapporteur for the proposed revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), tell us more about the campaign, the EPBD recast, and why he is supporting #BuildingLife.
Why did you choose to become a #BuildingLife ambassador?
CC: I became a #BuildingLife ambassador because, as an architect, a member of the Green Party and a legislator, this role aligns perfectly with my professional expertise and passion for a sustainable built environment. Buildings account for approximately 40%, of the energy consumption in the European Union, and are responsible for 36% of the greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonising our building stock presents a tremendous opportunity to address climate change and tackle energy poverty at the same time. The majority of buildings in Europe remain energy inefficient. By advocating for and promoting building renovations, we can achieve clear wins in terms of energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering energy bills.
The goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 is clear and imperative. As a #BuildingLife ambassador, I am committed to helping pave the way toward this target by demonstrating the necessary political will and determination to drive change in our sector. I aim to contribute to the vital mission of transforming the building industry, making it more sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible.
What are you hoping to achieve with the #BuildingLife campaign?
CC: With the #BuildingLife campaign, my primary objective is to address the numerous barriers that currently hinder building renovation efforts. These barriers include challenges within supply chains, skills and labour shortages, and insufficient financial resources. As an ambassador for the campaign and an MEP, I believe I have a crucial role to play in overcoming these barriers and paving the way for more energy-efficient buildings that are accessible to everyone, no matter your income. The role of politics is pivotal in this effort, and it is essential to pass laws and regulations that support and facilitate energy-efficient building practices. As ambassadors, we can advocate for these policy changes and work towards creating an environment that fosters sustainable building practices.
One of my core aspirations with the #BuildingLife campaign is to maintain sustained pressure for action. By being an ambassador, I can contribute to keeping the spotlight on the importance of energy-efficient buildings. Moreover, I aim to inspire households in Ireland to take action by showcasing the benefits of energy efficiency, including improved comfort, reduced energy bills, and enhanced health outcomes.
Can you explain a few ways in which you are working in the European Parliament towards a sustainable built environment?
CC: One of the key areas where I am actively involved is in shaping a crucial piece of legislation called the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EBPB). As the lead negotiator in the European Parliament, I am committed to driving this legislation forward, as an essential part of the action plan to make our buildings climate-neutral through renovations and reduce energy poverty. Moreover, I have been dedicated to raising awareness among fellow MEPs about the significance of energy efficiency. Through discussions and engagement, I aim to increase understanding and support for energy-efficient measures, which can bring about substantial improvements over time.
An important aspect of my work is to prioritise the needs of vulnerable and low-income households. I advocate for policies that focus on buildings with high energy consumption, as addressing their energy inefficiency can have a significant positive impact on both reducing energy bills and enhancing people’s quality of life.
It’s crucial to recognise that achieving a sustainable built environment encompasses more than technology. It involves addressing financial barriers and taking into account social considerations, and access to information services. As part of the EPBD recast, I am actively involved in creating an ecosystem that supports these aspects, including the introduction of minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and the establishment of high quality one-stop-shops across Europe.
There is an extraordinary opportunity at the EU level to mainstream sustainable building practices. We are at a critical juncture where taking swift action is important and urgent. I look forward to working with everyone involved in the #BuildingLife campaign to support this transition.
If you want to hear more about EPBD recast from Ciaran Cuffe, join our upcoming webinar, on the 12th of September, during World Green Building Week 2023.
#BuildingLife is a project led in Ireland by the Irish Green Building Council. The initiative aims to achieve the mix of privasector action and public policy necessary to tackle the whole-life impact of buildings. Learn more here.
