FEATURE
In Europe, our cultural diversity, our history and our built heritage are inseparably linked. From soaring cathedrals to grandiose parliament buildings, innovative office
blocks to impressive residences, the storied past of the many nations of this continent is represented in stone and brick. This wealth of architectural marvels is a blessing, but for those involved in energy efficiency, it is also a challenge: how does one go about retrofitting a protected, heritage-listed building constructed in the 16th century?
energy-efficient Europe from the local level up
Building a more B 12
eyond the more impressive structures, older homes and government buildings are also in desperate need of upgrading – it is estimated that buildings over 50 years old need an average of five times
as much power to heat compared to a modern construction. This is particularly problematic when one considers that that around 35 percent of Europe’s buildings fall into that category. Even in cases where the building owner has the
desire to reduce energy consumption, how can they finance the often expensive retrofit? And what should the role of government be in facilitating this shift
to lower energy usage within Europe’s
building stock? These questions are just some of the many issues
tackled by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability - in its work on energy efficiency in the construction sector. ICLEI is a global association of more than 1,000 cities, towns and metropolises in 86 countries with a mission to promote global sustainability through local action. ICLEI has around 300 urban development professionals working in 17 secretariats and offices and reaches more than 20 per
cent of the world’s urban population. Although ICLEI’s work is global in scope and impact, it remains focused at the local level in its implementation. ICLEI is particularly strong in Europe, with a great deal of its activities funded by European governments. The organisation works closely with local
governments, many of whom own a great deal of (often ageing) property, such as schools, libraries, and office buildings. As local governments are subject to the same demands and concerns as other building owners, they often have an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced. This has led to local authorities implementing robust energy efficiency strategies, driving real change across the continent. Many more local authorities, however, need to join the movement
towards
greater energy efficiency for this effort to make the necessary impact.
EU pushes for energy efficiency The European Union has stressed the need for greater efficiency in Europe’s building stock, noting its sizeable contribution to climate change. According to EU estimates, buildings are responsible
Insight Publishers | Projects (Above) 3ENCULT
Case study: Palazzo d’Accursio, Bologna (Italy)
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