A New Era for the European Renovation Wave: Sharing Perspectives

About the Conference

Ahead of the European elections, this event will discuss challenges and opportunities for the future regarding building renovations, following also the update of the European legislation.

As part of a high level panel discussion, speakers will also be invited to share their views on how to boost collaboration between national and subnational governments as well as different stakeholders to accelerate delivery, mobilize finance for cities and subnational governments, and better integrate local efforts into national goals and plans for building renovations.

Through initiatives such as the Cities Energy Saving Sprint launched by the Covenant of Mayors-Europe, the European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission and the C40 Energy Crisis Emergency Plan, European mayors have highlighted the cities’ role in delivering and harnessing the benefits of fossil-free and energy efficient buildings as part of the just transition.

They also called for action to maximize the potential of deep renovations, which can improve energy efficiency and security, lower energy bills, increase demand for renewables, create green jobs and improve residents’ quality of life.

Agenda

13.30 Registration and coffee

14.00 Welcoming remarks

Benjamin Jance, Head of Research and Innovation at Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM)

14.10 Opening remarks by a keynote speaker

14.20 What comes next for building renovations in Europe and the role of the cities

A high level panel discussion on taking stock of progress so far, the next steps and opportunities deriving from the updated European policy framework at national and local level. The discussion will also include sharing views on how to boost collaboration between the EU, national and subnational governments to accelerate building renovation and decarbonisation and mobilise finance for cities and subnational governments.The discussion will be followed by Q&As from the audience.

Moderator: Marnie McGregor, GCoM

• Nina Neumann, Team leader, Legislative Development and Enforcement, DG ENER, European Commission
• Jacques Baudrier, Deputy Mayor of Paris for Public Construction and Buildings 
• Peter Dermol, Mayor of Velenje, Slovenia 
• Ralf Goldmann, Head of Division, Energy Efficiency and Energy Advisory, European Investment Bank

15.20 COFFEE BREAK

15.45 Enhancing cooperation between cities and stakeholders to boost local action on buildings

A high level panel discussion on how and in which areas cities and stakeholders can enhance cooperation to accelerate local efforts to renovate and decarbonise their building stock, supporting the most vulnerable in the process and ensuring benefits are shared in an equitable way. During the discussion, speakers will be invited to share their views on lessons learnt and good practice experiences, what is needed to make further progress on the ground and the opportunities the updated EU legislation brings. The discussion will be followed by Q&As from the audience.

Moderator: Oliver Rapf, Executive Director, Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE)

• Andrea Tobia Zevi, Deputy Mayor of Rome for Heritage and Housing, Italy  
• Britt Berghs, project coordinator ‘Linkeroever (Left Bank)’ Climate Neutral 2030 for the city of Antwerp, Belgium
• Sorcha Edwards, Secretary General, Housing Europe 
• Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO Solar Power Europe 
• David Ducarme, COO and Deputy CEO Knauf Insulation,  Partner of the Renovate Europe Campaign

16.45 Wrap up and concluding remarks: Adrian Joyce, Renovate Europe Campaign

17.00 Cocktail reception