2024
Horst Wattenbach, Elif Timur
The publication titled "Improving Energy Efficiency in Housing: Why Evaluation Matters," part of the "Evaluation Perspectives" series by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), highlights the critical need for energy efficiency in housing amidst the climate crisis and rising energy costs. Authored by Senior Evaluator Horst Wattenbach under the guidance of Elif Timur, this document outlines the pressing issues surrounding energy poverty, which currently affects over 50 million households across Europe. One of the key findings emphasizes the urgent need for deep renovations within the EU's residential building stock to meet climate goals. Alarmingly, only 12% of buildings have undergone necessary renovations, leaving 35% with poor energy performance ratings. The publication argues that significant investments are needed, estimating €1.1 trillion for building rehabilitation to fulfill the EU's 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets. Moreover, the benefits of investing in energy efficiency extend beyond mere compliance with regulations. Improved energy performance can lead to reduced energy bills, increased property values, and enhanced comfort for residents. The societal advantages include decreased air pollution, better resource efficiency, and the creation of new jobs, underscoring the multifaceted impact of energy efficiency investments. Finally, the report stresses the vital role of evaluation in ensuring that these investments are cost-effective and yield the desired results. It calls for improved planning, selection, and monitoring of projects, which are essential for maximizing energy savings and achieving broader environmental and economic benefits.
Summary of "Improving Energy Efficiency in Housing: Why Evaluation Matters"
Context and Authors
This publication is part of the "Evaluation Perspectives" series by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). It was prepared by Horst Wattenbach, Senior Evaluator, under the oversight of Elif Timur, Head of the CEB Office of Evaluation. The document highlights the importance of energy efficiency in housing, particularly in the context of the climate crisis and rising energy costs.
Key Findings
- Energy Efficiency and Climate Crisis: The report emphasizes that improving energy efficiency in housing is crucial for addressing the climate crisis and reducing energy poverty. Energy shortages and price hikes have exacerbated energy poverty across Europe, with over 50 million households affected.
- Deep Renovation Needs: The EU's residential building stock requires significant renovation to meet climate goals. Only about 12% of buildings have been renovated to meet these targets, while 35% have poor energy performance ratings. Deep renovation is essential for achieving substantial energy savings and lifting people out of energy poverty.
- Investment Needs: Achieving high energy performance standards through deep renovation requires substantial investments. The European Investment Bank estimates that €1.1 trillion is needed for building rehabilitation to meet the EU's 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets.
- Benefits of Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency investments offer numerous benefits, including reduced energy bills, improved building comfort, increased property value, and enhanced climate change mitigation. Societal benefits include reduced air pollution, increased resource efficiency, and job creation.
- Evaluation Role: The report stresses the importance of evaluation in ensuring that energy efficiency investments are cost-effective and deliver intended results. It highlights the need for better planning, selection, and monitoring of projects to maximize energy savings and other benefits.
Publication Details
- Title: Improving Energy Efficiency in Housing: Why Evaluation Matters
- Series: Evaluation Perspectives Series
- Publisher: Council of Europe Development Bank
- Publication Date: October 2024
- Authors: Horst Wattenbach, with oversight by Elif Timur.