European Commission's First Review Shows Strong Backing for Building Renovation Plans
The European Commission said Tuesday its first assessment of draft National Building Renovation Plans showed strong commitment to making buildings more energy efficient, cutting emissions and strengthening energy security.Buildings use over 30% of Europe's total energy and account for half of its natural gas consumption.The Commission said greater energy efficiency and wider adoption of renewables will cut energy costs, curb fossil fuel imports and improve resilience during heatwaves and severe winters.The draft plans forecast primary energy consumption in buildings will fall 24% to 73% by 2050 compared with current levels. They also show strong climate ambitions, with about half targeting greenhouse gas emission reductions of more than 90%, the Commission said.Many countries plan to meet 40% to 90% of buildings' energy needs with renewable sources by 2030, the Commission added.A total of 15 European Union member states and Belgium's Walloon Region submitted draft plans between December 2025 and May 2026.The Commission assessed national targets, policies, funding and public consultation, saying the review will help countries refine their plans before submitting final versions by Dec. 31, 2026.The Commission said the roadmap will establish long-term renovation pipelines and support full implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.