Fossil-free citiesHybrid session
This session will explore policy tools and local best practices to ensure affordable, decarbonised housing and combat energy poverty in European cities, supporting the EU’s energy and climate goals.
Affordable, sustainable housing is key to achieving climate neutrality while ensuring social equity. Buildings account for 40% of the EU’s energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions, making energy efficiency and renovation central to the EU Green Deal and Renovation Wave. Meanwhile, Europe’s housing crisis affects a growing segment of the population, making it essential to integrate affordability with energy efficiency and climate resilience. Decarbonisation policies must be inclusive, preventing increased housing costs for low-income households while reducing energy poverty and advancing a just transition. This session will address critical questions, including: How can we ensure that renovation and energy performance policies directly benefit low-income and vulnerable citizens? How can public funding be targeted to support those who need it the most? How can we empower individuals and neighbourhoods to enhance energy efficiency, boost renewable energy use, and reduce energy bills?
Cities are implementing both immediate relief and long-term strategies, combining building renovations with housing policies to tackle energy efficiency, affordability, and social equity. This session will also explore how citizens and communities can help drive sustainable, affordable, and clean-energy-powered housing.
Event organised in the framework of EUSEW, The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) is the biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe. It is organised by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and the Directorate-General for Energy.
