Page 17 - European Energy Innovation magazine - spring 2023 edition

Spring 2023 European Energy Innovation
RENOVATION WAVE 17

Social Safeguards: Essential for should be provided to support low- Conclusion: Renovating for
Housing Policies income owner-occupiers, keeping affordability and sustainability
We must ensure our renovation remaining costs close to zero. In conclusion, while the European
efforts prioritise social justice and For landlords, instruments could Renovation Wave has the potential
improved living standards. To do be linked to rent cap guarantees. to improve energy efficiency
this, we must implement social Certification schemes for responsible and address energy poverty, we
safeguards to protect the rights of renovations could also be introduced must implement adequate social
tenants and property owners and to recognise and reward property safeguards to prevent “renovictions”
prevent renovictions. This includes owners who undertake renovations in and ensure the affordability and
prioritising the renovation of the a reliable, tenant-friendly manner. sustainability of housing for the most
worst-performing dwellings of vulnerable households. The EU’s
those in energy poverty and Promoting Social and Community Affordable housing initiative is a major
temporary accommodation, such Housing step forward. But by going further
as hostels and shelters. Fratello Policies and programs must prioritise and including living conditions in
Sole in Italy, for example, focuses on community housing, as seen in Vienna, the energy performance certificates,
renovating hostels for marginalised Austria, putting people before profit. To boosting the implementation of the
populations. ensure sustainability and affordability, right to housing presented in Article
it is essential to think beyond the 31 of the European Social Charter,
Private Rental Sector building and involve all sectors and and providing access to affordable
Investing in a better understanding policy areas, from regulation to performant renovation for low-
of the private rental sector and construction, taxation, environmental, income households, we can help
assessing the effectiveness of tenant energy, and social policies. secure a brighter future for all. l
protection laws and rent control
measures is crucial. These measures,
such as the right to request repairs
and improvement and rent control Recommended links
- through legislation or collective 1. How to avoid a Renoviction Wave, Report on the social impacts of the
agreements - can help protect Renovation Wave (PDF) Marine Cornelis for FEANTSA, December 2022
tenants from the adverse effects of
renovations and the threat of eviction. 2. 7th Overview of Housing Exclusion in Europe 2022, FEANTSA, June 2022
3. #BPIEClimateConversations, Housing affordability: Who’s responsible?,
Financial Tools BPIE, June 2022
Financial tools such as 100%
subsidies and low-interest loans
About the author

Marine Cornelis is the executive director and founder of Next Energy
Consumer, a policy consulting firm specialising in the social aspects of
energy and climate transitions. Her work brings together the demands and
perspectives of civil society, scientific groups, corporations, ombudsmen,
regulators, and governments. She works with and advises customers in
Europe, Africa, and Mexico. Before founding Next Energy Consumer, Marine
worked for many years in Brussels as a consumer rights advocate. Marine
is an experienced public speaker and policy shaker who is passionate
about energy justice and community development. She is one of the first
Ambassadors for the European Climate Pact.
Marine Cornelis is a digital ambassador of the European Sustainable Energy
Week, of which European Energy Innovation is a media partner. Registrations
will open in April 2023.

Disclaimer: This article is a contribution from a partner. All rights reserved.
Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible
for the use that might be made of the information in the article. The opinions expressed are those
of the author(s) only and should not be considered as representative of the European Commission’s
official position.

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