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COP21

Housing Europe: Our homes hold the key to a fair green energy transition

3 December Dec 2015 1207 03 December 2015
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On the “Buildings Day” at COP21, Housing Europe, the European Federation of Public, Cooperative and Social Housing has no doubt: a fair green energy transition should "Start at Home".

Today marks the "Buildings Day" at COP21 in Paris. On this occasion Housing Europe launches its proposal for a climate action to "Start at Home" (#StartAtHome on social media).

Housing Europe is the European Federation of Public, Cooperative & Social Housing which features 43 national & regional federations gathering 43.000 housing providers in 23 countries. Together they manage over 26 million homes, about 11% of existing dwellings in Europe.

In its effort for a green energy transition, the network proves that homes hold a key role, highlighting that "the already refurbished part of the Housing Europe members’ stock will save around 230.375 kWh/m2, contributing to lower energy bills for their tenants and limiting the environmental effects of energy consumption."

Housing Europe also points out that this is the result of its member organisations having started delivering on the Offer they made at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (COP15) in 2009.

What our homes can do

Althought commitments and targets set by global leaders in Paris may be attracting the attention, Housing Europe provides some data to show the central role of homes in this scenario.

COP21 HE High

From 2010 to 2015 it is estimated that 1.843.000 dwellings within their stock have been refurbished, resulting into an average refurbishment rate of 6,2 % which means that annually, our members refurbish approximately 1,2 % of their stock. These dwellings offer an average energy saving of 45 kWh/m2/yearwhich makes their tenants able to save on average 724 € on their energy billper year thanks to the improved energy performance.

Housing Europe

According to Secretary General of Housing Europe, Sorcha Edwards, there is only one way for the housing sector to make a difference concerning climate change, which starts with refurbishment.

We have invested an estimated 32,8 billion Euros in refurbishment projects in 5 five years because we know that there is a multiple return both for our homes and most importantly of our planet. On the ground we support technical and social innovation which is the mix that can guarantee a sustainable future.

To secure a solid way forward Housing Europe members have led or taken part in initiatives generating ground-breaking solutions. For example, Energiesprong has made Net Zero Energy refurbishments a market reality that is financed of the energy cost savings, since a house does not consume more energy than it produces (E=0); plus, it only takes 10 days and comes with a 30-year energy performance warranty from the builder, while energy bills for residents stay the same.

More information on HousingEurope.eu

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