The obligations set by the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the opportunities it offers for renovation were discussed at a discussion event at the European Forum organized by RT in August. In July, RT was visited by representatives from the European Parliament's HOUS Special Committee, which monitors and helps steer the European Commission's Affordable Housing Action Plan.
Photo: City of Turku/Linda Svarfvar
Finland's most significant event focusing on European policy, the Europe Forum, was held for the ninth time in Turku from 26 to 28 August 2026. RT participated in the event with its own discussion session, the theme of which was the EU as a driver of sustainable construction - Finland for growth through renovation construction.
The panel was attended by the Minister of the Environment and Climate Sari Multala, CEO of Senate Properties Thomas Pusa and RT's CEO Aleksi Randell, who also gave the keynote speech at the event.
Moderator Petri Lahesmaa challenged the participants to comment on the obligations of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and asked for solutions for its implementation. According to Minister Multala, the government is aiming to increase renovation construction and improve the availability of financing. At the same time, he emphasized that proactive and planned renovation also reduces the operating costs of properties.
According to CEO Pusa, flexibility is needed in the application of obligations to ensure that the greatest possible benefit is obtained from renovation investments, both in terms of use and costs. CEO Randell emphasized that incentives and subsidies must promote market functioning without unnecessary restrictions and remain technology and material neutral.
The common view was that the current situation is challenging and at the same time offers significant opportunities for maintaining national wealth and promoting climate goals.
RT raised concerns about Basel III regulation and access to funding
In July, RT was visited by a delegation from the European Parliament's HOUS Special Committee. This temporary committee monitors and contributes to steering the European Commission's Affordable Housing Action Plan. The delegation's four-day trip took them to Riga and Helsinki.
The topic of discussion was the Basel III capital adequacy regulation, which particularly affects banking operations and makes it difficult to implement new housing production, renovation and energy-efficient construction in Finland. The discussion was lively and RT's views were understood.
Photo: European Parliament Office in Finland.