Carbon-neutral buildings will lower “sky-high” energy bills – Cuffe

Plans to make the EU’s building sector carbon-neutral by 2050, will help tackle the root causes of energy poverty and create jobs and funding for renovations. That’s according to Green Party MEP Ciarán Cuffe.

He was commenting on today’s vote in the European Parliament where the majority of MEPs backed the proposed revision of the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. It aims to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in the EU building sector by 2030 with the aim of making it climate neutral by 2050.

MEPs say national renovation plans should include support schemes to facilitate access to grants and funding. And they want targeted grants and subsidies for energy-saving renovations for vulnerable households.

Ciarán Cuffe was the Parliament’s lead negotiator on the deal. He says today’s vote "marks a significant step" towards lower energy bills for households and businesses.

Out words: hugely important

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