The European Builders Confederation (EBC), which represents at European level the interests of SMEs in the construction sector, welcomed the European Commission’s strategy to launch a ‘Renovation Wave for Europe’ in its building sector, but expressed concern about the “constant changes” in the European regulatory framework.
For the organisation, this situation hinders property renovation more than it encourages it. In addition, the EBC says care must be taken to ensure that any stricter legislative requirements take account of the capacities of SMEs and artisans, it said.
Among theEBC’s recommendations are: - the gradual introduction, along a predefined long-term path, of mandatory minimum energy performance requirements, with financial support being channelled to homeowners; - the extension of the renovation target of 3% of public buildings to all levels of public administration; - improving the dissemination of information, particularly to SMEs; - better territorial coverage of recycling and collection centres; - focus on the digital transition of the construction industry.
In October 2020, the European Commission presented a strategy to double renovation rates in Europe over the next ten years, to reach around 35 million buildings in Europe (see EUROPE 12581/10). (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)