Modelling the Renovation of Buildings in Europe from a Circular Economy and Climate Perspective

Buildings are important in EU environmental and climate policy for several reasons, including their greenhouse gas emissions and high consumption of material resources. Improved design and building techniques will produce highly efficient new buildings, but more than 85% of today's buildings are likely to still be in use in 2050. This briefing examines potential renovation activities that could improve the sustainability of existing buildings and the implications for embedded greenhouse gas emis…

Buildings are important in EU environmental and climate policy for several reasons, including their greenhouse gas emissions and high consumption of material resources. Improved design and building techniques will produce highly efficient new buildings, but more than 85% of today's buildings are likely to still be in use in 2050. This briefing examines potential renovation activities that could improve the sustainability of existing buildings and the implications for embedded greenhouse gas emissions and resource use.