Horst Wattenbach, Elif Timur
Council of Europe Development Bank
2024
🌍 Context and Publisher The publication "Improving Energy Efficiency in Housing: Why Evaluation Matters" is part of the "Evaluation Perspectives" series by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). This report was prepared by Horst Wattenbach, a Senior Evaluator, under the oversight of Elif Timur, the Head of the CEB Office of Evaluation. In light of the ongoing climate crisis and escalating energy costs, this document underscores the critical role of energy efficiency in housing across Europe. 🏠 Energy Efficiency and Climate Crisis The report highlights that enhancing energy efficiency in housing is vital for tackling the climate crisis and alleviating energy poverty. Currently, energy shortages and rising prices have left over 50 million households across Europe struggling with energy poverty. The findings emphasize that immediate action is needed to address these challenges through improved energy efficiency. 🔧 Deep Renovation Needs According to the CEB, a significant portion of the EU's residential building stock requires extensive renovation to meet climate targets. Presently, only about 12% of buildings have undergone renovations sufficient to meet the EU's energy performance standards, while 35% of existing buildings are rated poorly in terms of energy efficiency. Deep renovation is identified as essential for achieving substantial energy savings and lifting households out of energy poverty. 💰 Investment Needs The report reveals that achieving high energy performance standards through deep renovation will necessitate considerable financial investments. The European Investment Bank estimates that approximately €1.1 trillion is required for building rehabilitation to meet the EU's 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets. Such investment is crucial for sustainable development in the housing sector. 📈 Benefits of Energy Efficiency Investments in energy efficiency yield multiple advantages, including decreased energy bills, enhanced building comfort, increased property values, and improved climate change mitigation. Moreover, societal benefits encompass reduced air pollution, greater resource efficiency, and job creation. These factors illustrate the broader impact of energy efficiency on both individual households and the community. 🔍 Evaluation Role Finally, the publication stresses the importance of evaluation in ensuring that investments in energy efficiency are cost-effective and yield the desired outcomes. It calls for improved planning, selection, and monitoring of energy efficiency projects to maximize energy savings and additional benefits, emphasizing a systematic approach to 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.