The challenge of decarbonising Europe’s largest buildings

As lawmakers in Berlin debate the optimum way to achieve a climate-neutral building stock, it is becoming increasingly clear that a simple switch to cleaner heating may not be enough, particularly in terms of their own building, the Bundestag.

Tackling massive emissions from buildings has Brussels pushing for higher renovation rates, a measure deeply unpopular with Italians, many of whom own their flats and who fear their cultural heritage is endangered.

The energy crisis and pressure to reduce consumption following the invasion of Ukraine have driven further demand cuts as EU institutions join efforts to cut energy use and emissions.

A proposed update of the EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive could threaten Europe's cultural heritage, lawmakers and associations have warned, drawing attention to the thousands of unlisted buildings which could potentially fall under the directive's renovation obligation.

The European Union is currently revamping its green buildings law. Ahead of finals talks on the proposal, EURACTIV interviewed Ciarán Cuffe, a Green MEP who will represent the European Parliament in negotiations with the other EU institutions.