Both the geopolitical and energy crises have led to even higher costs based on Europe's energy dependency and the poor energy efficiency of buildings. Buildings account for 40% of our energy consumption in the EU, most of which is used for heating. Thus, energy renovations are the only solution to permanently protect citizens and businesses from price increases.
Relying solely on voluntary programmes has not worked so far, as only 1% of EU buildings undergo energy renovations each year and the annual rate of comprehensive renovations in the EU is only 0.2%. EPPA, together with other stakeholders, therefore called for more ambitious minimum standards under the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive earlier this month.
200,000 tonnes of PVC recyclate per year across Europe
Furthermore, current buildings contain a stock of valuable materials that should be recycled and used in the production of new building products. European PVC-U window system manufacturers have been recycling old windows for more than twenty years and using the recycled material to produce new PVC-U window systems.
See also: The best way to dispose of PVC windows and doors
According to the report, this cycle "from old profile to new profile" uses around 200,000 tonnes of PVC recyclate per year across Europe, which corresponds to a recycling share of 25% of the PVC material used in European production. On the post-consumer side, these quantities could be increased, which is why the association is calling for a massive clean-up campaign.
"Therefore, in the context of the EU's energy saving targets and in line with European funding efforts to achieve the "Fit for 55" targets, we call for the initiation of a stimulus programme for the energy-efficient replacement of old windows as a direct investment grant for building owners," says Carsten Heuer, EPPA chairman.
The European level
National Recovery and Resilience Plans, the future Social Climate Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the Modernisation Fund and the Just Transition Fund can all support national renovation programmes.
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These funds and programmes must target the most efficient, energy-efficient renovation measures, such as window replacement, in order to achieve the dual objective: Reducing CO2 emissions through lower energy consumption in buildings and reducing heating costs for the end user.
