Making our buildings climate-proof is not only about reducing the 36% of CO2 emissions they are responsible for, but about doing so while caring for the people that live in them. That’s why the transformation of the buildings sector must have a prominent role in the EGD.

We need to transform our buildings and cities in response to the climate emergency just declared by the European Parliament and ensure they are resilient to climate change impacts – but we also need to ensure that the decarbonisation of the sector benefits European citizens and keeps housing affordable.

Delivering a zero-carbon buildings stock will require significant changes in the way the construction industry provides services and solutions. We also need new mechanisms to trigger investments in building upgrades. The EGD must make it clear that the built environment is a priority infrastructure for Europe. This would accelerate the shift to a decentralised, highly efficient, interconnected and decarbonised energy system.

This discussion paper outlines BPIE’s 7 suggestions to ensure an ambitious and effective European Green Deal, with citizens and buildings at its heart.