Europe has shackled itself, its citizens and its companies – sometimes un­necessarily. In international ­competition, it is now important to release the brakes. Only then can the continent realise its full potential. And continue to play at eye-level worldwide.

Even in 2021, the buildings sector did not achieve the climate targets set. In 2020, it was the fourth largest emitter in Germany with 120 million tonnes of CO2. The need for renovation of the building stock is therefore enormous - but the potential is just as great. Only a strong focus on electrification and digitalisation in buildings will make them the hub of the energy transition. The course for a successful building transformation and thus the achievement of the climate targets by 2030 and 2045 will be set this year.

ZVEI is in favour of the EU Commission's intention to significantly increase the renovation rate of buildings in Europe. This not only has a positive effect on climate targets, but also gives the entire European population access to buildings with low energy consumption. Increasing the renovation rate is thus also an important step towards increasing energy availability. Technologies that increase the energy efficiency of buildings and improve occupant comfort already exist. The use of energy-efficient technical building equipment (TGA) can make a decisive contribution to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent compared to 1990 levels.

Achieving the transformation to a climate-neutral and sustainable society and economy, while maintaining prosperity, needs the responsible and consistent use of technology and innovation, as well as comprehensive electrification and digitalisation. This requires norms and standards.