Launch of EASAC Report on the Decarbonisation of Buildings - Webinar

What is it about?

Buildings account for more than a quarter of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions. To live up to their climate pledge under the Paris agreement, EU lawmakers must ensure all 250 million existing buildings as well as all new buildings in the EU become ‘net-zero carbon’.

EASAC’s new report, which will be launched on 2^nd June 2021, provides science-based analysis, conclusions and recommendations for urgent new measures at EU, national and city level to meet this massive challenge whilst also reducing energy poverty.

While policymakers have long focused on creating buildings that reduce the need for heating and air conditioning or generate renewable energy on site, the analysis shows that the scope of policy action must be broadened to the choice of materials and their carbon footprint. As the EU recovers from the COVID pandemic, it recommends a focus on health and wellbeing to encourage renovations. It also highlights the role of grants and incentives to de-risk and secure affordable private financing, and identifies the potential to create 3 million new jobs.

Programme 

• EASAC – who we are and what we do
  EASAC President Professor Christina Moberg
• Background to the report and EASAC’s main messages for European policy makers
  Director of EASAC energy programme, Dr William Gillett
• Decarbonisation of buildings study: analysis and conclusions
  EASAC project leader: Professor Brian Norton, Royal Irish Academy
• Panel responses to the report from:

  • European Parliament: Ciaran Cuffe MEP

  • European Commission DG ENER:  Stefan Moser

  • European Investment Bank: Ralf Goldmann

  • European Commission JRC: Paolo Bertoldi

  • European Construction Technology Platform (ECTP): Paul Cartuyvels

  • Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE): Mariangiola Fabbri

  • European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE): Monica Frassoni

  • Housing Europe: Sorcha Edwards

• Open discussion with audience, moderated by
  EASAC Vice President Professor Wim van Saarloos
• Closing remarks
  Professor Maria da Graça Carvalho MEP