Energy renovation does not have to mean a gigantic construction project: "A lot can be done by adjusting the heating system or changing the heating method," says Pekka Vuorinen.
Background. The built environment and the changes made to it play a huge role in both achieving emission reduction goals and saving energy and costs.
- More than 30% of Finland's total emissions come from the built environment.
- Energy consumption during use produces more than 75% of the emissions of the built environment.
Environmental and energy director of Rakennusteollisuus RT Pekka Vuorinen: "Finland aims to be carbon neutral by 2035. Without a clear improvement in energy efficiency, it cannot be achieved in any way. The same measures can also be used to respond to rising energy costs."
How? Energy efficiency can be increased by renewing the old or building a new one to replace the building stock that is at the end of its useful life.
"The energy efficiency corrections of the existing building stock are clearly a more significant way."
Practically? The building's energy efficiency and economy can be improved
- by adjusting the heating according to the usage needs
- with low-emission energy produced on site (heat pumps, solar panels)
- with heat recovery solutions
- by changing the heating mode to a more energy-efficient one
- with structural solutions such as insulation and window improvement
- by increasing automation
- by directing building users to reduce energy consumption.
"It's not always about a big and scary construction project, but a lot can be done out of sight of the residents by adjusting the heating system or changing the heating method."
Support is needed. At the moment, energy renovations are at least supported
- with ARA's energy grants
- through the household deduction and
- with the support of giving up oil heating.
"The current price of energy already puts a significant burden on energy renovations, but much more government subsidies are also needed when quick measures to reduce emissions need to be implemented."
Big effects. Vuorinen: "Emission reduction targets cannot be reached with any single trick or the actions of one industry. However, the role of buildings is very significant. Even with fairly small investments, there is considerable emission reduction and energy saving potential in them."
The EU is also working on energy renovations - energy efficiency will soon be one of the most important indicators of a building's value
Several programs and a new directive are underway and planned in the EU, which aim to increase renovation construction.
Pekka Vuorinen: "The details are still open, but it is known that the objectives of the renovation construction will tighten significantly."
- Requirements are coming for all building types.
- The existing building stock must be repaired to the level of new construction, if it is technically, functionally or financially feasible.
"By 2050, the building stock in the entire EU region must be 'emission-free'. Each member state must find its own paths to this goal."
Different starting points. The starting points for the energy efficiency of buildings vary greatly. Based on ARA's energy certificate register
- Buildings built in the 2000st century consume about half as much energy as those built in the middle of the 1900th century
- improvement has taken place especially in building technology, insulation and tightness.
Efficiency brings value. Energy solutions have a big impact not only on emissions but also on operating costs.
"A building that wastes energy is currently shockingly expensive for its users."
Energy efficiency already has a very significant effect on the operating costs of the building and thus its value. "The real estate investment market is already thinking about the building's resilience:
- How does the building adapt to the changing climate?
- Does the building overheat or is it located in a flood zone?
- What is its energy efficiency?”
Time to act. Rising operating costs and stricter emission requirements emphasize the urgency and necessity of energy renovations.
"In practice, the number of energy renovations should at least be doubled in order to somehow reach the basic goals in terms of emissions. At the moment, the renovations are also financially very profitable for those doing them."
Published in the MustRead newsletter on May 1.12.2022, XNUMX