Horst Wattenbach, Elif Timur
Council of Europe Development Bank
2024
## 🌍 Context and Overview The publication "Improving Energy Efficiency in Housing: Why Evaluation Matters" is part of the "Evaluation Perspectives" series produced by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). The report is authored by Horst Wattenbach, a Senior Evaluator, and overseen by Elif Timur, Head of the CEB Office of Evaluation. It addresses the critical need for enhanced energy efficiency in housing, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing climate crisis and escalating energy costs. ## ⚡ Key Findings on Energy Efficiency The report emphasizes the urgent need to improve energy efficiency in residential buildings as a means to combat the climate crisis and mitigate energy poverty. Currently, over 50 million households across Europe are grappling with energy poverty exacerbated by energy shortages and rising prices. The findings reveal that only about 12% of the EU's residential building stock has undergone necessary renovations to meet climate goals, while a concerning 35% of these buildings hold poor energy performance ratings. This highlights the pressing need for deep renovation to achieve significant energy savings and alleviate the burden of energy poverty. ## 💰 Investment Requirements To reach high energy performance standards through deep renovation, substantial financial investment is required. The European Investment Bank estimates that approximately €1.1 trillion will be necessary for building rehabilitation to align with the EU's 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets. This underlines the scale of financial commitment needed to modernize Europe’s housing infrastructure. ## 🌱 Benefits of Energy Efficiency Investments in energy efficiency come with numerous advantages. They lead to reduced energy bills, improved comfort within buildings, increased property values, and contributions to climate change mitigation. Additionally, the societal benefits include decreased air pollution, enhanced resource efficiency, and job creation. These factors illustrate the comprehensive advantages of pursuing energy efficiency in housing. ## 📊 The Role of Evaluation The publication highlights the critical role of evaluation in ensuring that investments in energy efficiency are cost-effective and yield the desired outcomes. It advocates for improved planning, selection, and monitoring of energy efficiency projects, aiming to maximize energy savings and the associated benefits. By focusing on these aspects, stakeholders can better address the challenges posed by energy inefficiency. In conclusion, the report serves as a vital resource for understanding the importance of energy efficiency in housing, the necessary investments, and the evaluation processes that can lead to successful outcomes in sustainable housing initiatives across Europe.
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.