Page 30 - Respond 2022 Magazine
P. 30
Lighting the way
to energy efficiency
Harry Verhaar, Head of Public and Government Affairs, Signify
Like many of us, I entered the The changes we make this decade must reduce emissions, enhance quality of life
decade with a conviction that be comprehensive and far-reaching, but and create valuable jobs in the construction
climate change would finally we also need quick wins. Given the level of sector. If we achieve an increase in 3%
take its place as the hero issue expediency now required, energy efficiency energy efficiency a year, driven by a similar
on the world’s political agenda. improvements are the best strategy 3% in renovation rates and 3% increase in
More than a year later, the at our disposal for a swift reduction in the use of renewables per year, then we
outlook has changed, but the carbon emissions, and lighting can play a are well on the way to achieving a carbon
urgency is greater than ever. surprisingly significant part. neutral world by 2050.
Governments are faced with the
extraordinary task of rebuilding A renovation wave Increasing renovation rate and depth
economies devastated by the Here in Europe, buildings account for will positively impact economic
impact of a global health crisis, 40% of energy consumption and 36% of growth, investments, innovation and
while meeting emission reduction energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. competitiveness, and lead to a reduced
targets that are both very The European Commission’s Renovation reliance on fossil fuels. And economically,
moderate and very challenging. Wave strategy brings together emissions the impact of building renovation will
reduction and economic impact, aiming most benefit the local SMEs who make up
to double Europe’s annual energy more than 90% of companies in Europe’s
renovation rates in the next ten years. As building sector. Accelerated activity on this
our buildings become more efficient, we level creates jobs for those with displaced
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