2024
Horst Wattenbach, with oversight by Elif Timur.
The publication "Improving Energy Efficiency in Housing: Why Evaluation Matters," part of the Council of Europe Development Bank's "Evaluation Perspectives" series, underscores the critical role of energy efficiency in housing amid the climate crisis and escalating energy costs. It reveals that over 50 million households in Europe suffer from energy poverty, necessitating deep renovations in the EU's residential buildings, where only 12% currently meet climate goals. The report estimates that €1.1 trillion is required for necessary investments to achieve high energy performance standards by 2030. It highlights the multifaceted benefits of energy efficiency, including lower energy bills, enhanced comfort, and increased property values, alongside societal gains like reduced air pollution and job creation. Moreover, it emphasizes that thorough evaluation is essential for ensuring the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency investments, advocating for improved planning and monitoring to maximize 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.