Buildings are at the heart of European decarbonization and housing strategies. They represent 40% of final energy consumption and 36% of emissions, and most will need to be renovated by 2030. The importance of the energy performance of buildings has been reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has revealed ventilation problems, by the recent energy crisis, which has increased fuel poverty, as well as by heat waves, which are increasing in intensity every year. Since the adoption of the Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (2010, revised in 2024) and the Directive on Energy Efficiency (2012, revised in 2023), European policy has increasingly integrated the social dimension of housing, by linking renovation, financial accessibility, financial accessibility, reduction of energy poverty and the resilience of essential service buildings. In addition, a new Commissioner for Energy and Housing was appointed, and a task force on housing was created a few months ago.

Local governments, however, face significant challenges in funding, planning, and skills development. This presentation summarizes a report published earlier this year and identifies the key skills municipalities need — ranging from technical and financial capabilities to so-called “transversal” skills in coordination and negotiation — while stressing the importance of digital tools, integrated governance approaches, and simplified support mechanisms. Achieving European renovation goals will require a significant strengthening of municipal resources as well as a profound overhaul of investment frameworks.

Practical information: Our Friday Lecture Meeting (new format) will take place from 12.30 to 14.00.

The FLMs are held in FACE-TO-FACE format in seminar room on the 4th floor ofthe Brongniart Palace, 28 Place de la Bourse, 75002 Paris.

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