Cutting back use is the cheapest way to save on bills and reduced carbon emissions, campaigners say
Brussels — When TV producer Hadrien Wastiaux began house-hunting in Brussels two years ago, he knew he would have to invest in some green home improvements if he bought an older building — but he didn’t realise how much of a headache it would be.From grappling with endless bureaucracy, to difficulty accessing loans and information, he is almost at the point of looking for cheaper options outside the Belgian capital.
It has put the spotlight on the fact that energy savings are crucial to achieve energy independence … and [that] energy efficiency policy has not been prioritised enoughAs the war in Ukraine has disrupted international energy markets this year, the EU’s dependency on Russian oil and gas has made reforming wasteful habits more urgent.
Applying for renovation permits for multiple-occupancy buildings can run into legal and administrative barriers. EU countries have set aside money from their Covid-19 economic recovery funds for energy efficiency, ranging from about 3% in Hungary to 25% in Luxembourg, according to Bruegel, a European economics think-tank.Spain has said it will invest in one-stop-shops, while Austria plans to provide advisers for low-income households. BEUC emphasises that consumer support initiatives such as these need to have enough trained staff to succeed.
As energy and food bills rise faster than wages amid what is becoming widely dubbed a “cost of living crisis”, BEUC says its model could be easily and cheaply exported to other countries.Affordability is another obstacle for energy-efficiency home renovations — but BEUC says green financing schemes can be a way to support households wanting to make the shift.
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