03/04/2020 (Agence Europe) – In order for the 'renovation wave' initiative announced by the European Commission to be a real driver of decarbonation and a stimulus for economic recovery, it should be based on a European system of minimum energy performance standards for buildings, says a document published by EURIMA on Tuesday 31 March. According to this organisation representing European insulation manufacturers, gradually tightening these minimum standards will allow the "phasing out" of the worst performing buildings, benefiting occupants (healthier and more affordable homes), owners (higher property values), investors (better investment planning) and workers (increased visibility on future skills). However, these standards should be introduced alongside "enabling and well-synchronised measures" such as incentives and public and private financing schemes that reward higher energy savings. The ‘renovation wave’ initiative is expected to be introduced in the third quarter of this year. See the EURIMA document: https://bit.ly/2X5oJYV (DG)