A New Initiative to Transform Europe’s Buildings
HouseEurope! is a bold new initiative that aims to change the way we think about buildings. Instead of demolishing old structures, HouseEurope! promotes renovation and transformation. This approach preserves communities, supports local economies, reduces waste, and helps Europe meet its climate goals.
The European Commission has officially registered this initiative, giving people across Europe the opportunity to push for policy changes that support sustainable building practices.
Why Renovation Matters
Currently, many buildings are destroyed and replaced with new ones, often for financial gain. This results in unnecessary waste, loss of history, and increased carbon emissions. The building sector is one of the largest contributors to CO2 emissions, accounting for 36% of emissions and 40% of total energy consumption in the EU.
HouseEurope! argues that demolition is outdated—just like food waste, animal testing, fast fashion, and single-use plastics. Instead, the initiative seeks to make renovation the norm by offering incentives and changing policies.
The Key Pillars of HouseEurope!
The initiative is built on three main pillars:
- Tax Incentives: Lowering taxes for renovation works and the use of reused materials to make sustainable choices more affordable.
- Fair Assessment Rules: Ensuring that existing buildings are properly evaluated for their potential rather than being dismissed as outdated.
- Recognizing Embedded CO2: Acknowledging the environmental value of materials already used in buildings to encourage sustainability.
These changes will help create a fairer building industry that values people and communities over financial speculation.
The Urgent Need for Action
If Europe continues on its current path, 2 billion square meters of existing space will be demolished by 2050. This is more than the entire city of Berlin! The current renovation rate is too slow—only 1% of buildings are renovated each year. At this rate, it would take three times longer than planned to reach EU sustainability goals.
HouseEurope! calls for an immediate increase in renovation efforts, which would:
- Provide affordable housing
- Support small and medium-sized businesses
- Create new jobs
- Reduce environmental harm
Join the Movement
HouseEurope! is more than just a proposal—it’s a movement for a better future. By supporting this initiative, you can help create a Europe that values its existing buildings, promotes sustainability, and ensures fairer housing policies.
Want to learn more or take action? Visit www.houseeurope.eu to get involved!
Sign up the petition now at this link
Together, we can build a better future by preserving the past.
