The upcoming EU Heating and Cooling Strategy represents a pivotal opportunity to place the building sector on a Paris Agreement compatible, affordable, and just decarbonisation pathway. To achieve this, the strategy must enforce the energy efficiency first principle, prioritise renewable-based solutions, and ensure coherence with the Electrification Action Plan and the Energy Security Framework while addressing inequities in energy taxation.
The implementation of the Gas Directives, the Energy Efficiency Directive, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the National Building Renovation Plans as a tool should serve as drivers for the fossil fuel phase-out, supported by inclusive financing mechanisms that support deep renovations, protect vulnerable households and reduce energy poverty. At the same time, the growing challenge of cooling must be tackled through sustainable technologies, passive design, urban greening, and the urgent enforcement of the F-gas phaseout. By aligning policy, regulation, and investment with social safeguards and public awareness, the EU can deliver resilient, efficient, and affordable heating and cooling systems that cut emissions, enhance comfort, and ensure no one is left behind in the transition.
Find the link to the submission here.
