The European Parliament has passed a new law mandating member states to promote the renovation of buildings for increased energy efficiency, aiming to reduce carbon emissions, as reported by Reuters on March 12. The legislation received a majority vote of 370 in favor, with 199 opposing and 46 abstaining. Buildings constitute 40% of the EU’s energy usage, primarily reliant on fossil fuels for heating. The law aims to upgrade buildings to lower energy consumption, accelerating the transition away from Russian gas and reducing household energy costs. Green MEP Ciaran Cuffe, who negotiated the law, emphasized its potential to alleviate energy poverty and decrease emissions.

Under the law, EU member states must apply new standards to non-residential buildings and can use EU funds for energy-efficient renovations. While residential buildings may also be subject to these standards, individual homeowners are not obligated to renovate. The law faced opposition from countries like Italy, citing concerns over affordability for both governments and homeowners.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/us-based-carboncapture-raises-80-mln-saudi-aramco-others-2024-03-12/