To tackle its ambitious sustainability goals, the European Union has embarked on what it calls a Renovation Wave Strategy to improve the energy performance of buildings.
This sweeping movement aims to transform the energy landscape across Europe, revolutionizing the way buildings consume and generate energy. The move is aimed at enhancing the quality of life for people living in and using certain buildings, reducing Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, fostering digitalization and improving the reuse and recycling of materials.
By 2030, 35 million buildings could be renovated and up to 160,000 additional green jobs created in the construction sector, stimulating economic growth.
The energy renovation wave encompasses a range of measures aimed at reducing energy consumption, improving insulation, promoting renewable energy integration, and enhancing overall sustainability.
As countries strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Greece has emerged as a prominent player in the global renewable, as well as energy saving, energy sector.
From revitalizing old buildings to harnessing renewable energy sources, Greece’s energy renovation wave holds immense promise for a greener and more prosperous future.
Renovating aging buildings to reach energy efficiency goals
At the forefront of this green revolution is Greece’s commitment to renovating its aging buildings. With numerous historical structures dotting its landscape, the renovation wave presents an opportunity to combine sustainability while preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
“Greece’s energy renovation programs are not merely about improving energy efficiency; they also offer a chance to breathe new life into our buildings, while reducing our carbon footprint,” Dionisis Kokkolias, an engineer and expert in sustainable energy solutions, told NE Global, while adding that the economic benefits of this initiative are equally noteworthy.
The renovation wave is expected to generate a huge surge in job opportunities, bolstering Greece’s economy and providing a much-needed boost to local communities, Kokkolias said.
Harnessing renewable energy
In addition to building renovations, Greece plans to harness its abundant renewable energy resources. With its sunny climate and favorable geography, the country is primed to become a leader in solar and wind power, Kokkolias argued. “We have a golden opportunity to utilize our natural resources and become a renewable energy powerhouse. By embracing solar and wind energy, we can decrease our reliance on fossil fuels and substantially reduce our carbon emissions,” he said.
To capitalize on this potential, Greece has implemented supportive policies and incentives to attract investments in renewable energy projects. The government’s commitment to renewable energy sources is reflected in its ambitious targets, aiming to derive at least 35% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.
Such bold measures are expected to drive innovation and create a thriving green economy that will not only benefit Greece but also contribute to the global fight against climate change.
Challenges and opportunities
While the energy renovation wave presents a promising path, Greece faces its fair share of challenges. Financial constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and the need for skilled labor are among the obstacles that need to be overcome. Kokkolias, however, remains optimistic. “We must view these challenges as opportunities for collaboration and growth. By fostering public-private partnerships, leveraging EU funding, and investing in training programs, we can overcome these obstacles and achieve our sustainable goals,” he said.
Collaboration with the EU plays a vital role in Greece’s energy renovation ambitions. Through initiatives like the European Green Deal and the Renovation Wave Strategy, the EU has pledged its support, providing the necessary framework and financial assistance for member states to undertake ambitious renovation projects. Greece is well-positioned to leverage this partnership, drawing on the expertise and resources available to accelerate its energy transition, Kokkolias argued.
He noted that Greece is poised to ride the transformative waves of the energy renovation movement. “The EU energy renovation wave and Greece’s local Program called ‘Exoikonomo 2023’ is a game-changer, unlocking a wealth of untapped potential for both the environment and the economy.’ This ambitious endeavor will enhance energy efficiency while bolstering the country’s green economy and propelling it towards a prosperous and sustainable future,” he said.
As Greece embraces the energy renovation wave, it stands at the precipice of a transformative era, poised to create a sustainable future while revitalizing its cultural heritage, the Greek engineer and expert in sustainable energy solutions said, adding, the economic and environmental benefits that lie ahead are significant, as energy-efficient buildings and renewable energy integration become the new norm.
