Page 46 - European Energy Innovation - spring 2020 publication

46 Spring 2020 European Energy Innovation

BUILDINGS RETROFIT

An integrated and systemic
approach to accelerating retrofit
rates in global building stocks

By the EBRD's Remon Zakaria and Alex Hadzhiivanov

The decarbonisation of buildings has if more is not done to reduce This requires, at minimum, a 3-4%
a vital role to play in responding to carbon intensity. annual rate of deep energy efficiency
the climate emergency. retrofits and nearly zero energy
According to the landmark report buildings for all new construction,
Buildings are currently responsible from the UN Intergovernmental Panel starting from today. Despite efforts
for 39% of global carbon emissions. on Climate Change, buildings will to promote energy efficiency in
The global building stock is expected need to reduce carbon emissions buildings, the average deep retrofit
to double by 2050 and given that associated with their construction, rate across the EU28 stands at
buildings are expected to deliver use and deconstruction by 80-90% just 1%.
more and more in terms of comfort, by 2050 in order to put the world
convenience and entertainment, on a path to limit global warming In EBRD’s countries of operation,
emissions will increase considerably below 1.5 ºC. this rate is far lower and nearly zero
energy buildings account for less than
0.01% of overall new supply.

This requires a radical transition using
a wide variety of business models
and tools, as well as significant
financial support for market
segments affected by complex sets
of market barriers.

Remon Zakaria, Lead, Associate Alexander Hadzhiivanov, With experience across the whole
Director, Energy Efficiency and Associate Director, Energy building value chain, the EBRD
Climate Change, EBRD Efficiency and Climate is well-placed to help drive this
Change, EBRD transition. Since 2006, EBRD has
invested EUR 3.8 billion in retrofitting
buildings and EUR 1.9 billion in
increasing resource efficiency, and
reducing emissions and waste in
energy-intensive industries in building
supply chains.

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