New roadmap for energy-efficient construction
Construction is an important pillar of the EU's economy, employing over 13 million people and representing 10 % of gross domestic product (GDP). It is important to align this sector, however, with the EU's drive to tackle climate change, streamline energy use and cater to the health needs of an ageing society. Technology platforms such as the European Construction Technology Platform (ECTP) can play an important role in achieving these aims over the next 20 to 40 years. In this spirit, the EU-funded project BUILDING UP worked on coordinating technology platforms and existing initiatives to further energy efficiency in construction. The project outlined the research and innovation required to facilitate sustainable building solutions by overcoming non-technological barriers involved. To achieve this objective, BUILDING UP worked on a long-term research roadmap and on establishing a network of institutions, government authorities, agencies, developers, investors, architects, engineers and other stakeholders. It looked at funding programmes and initiatives that limit market take-up of building solutions, fostering debate on implementing technological and non-technological solutions to further its aims. The efforts involved organising four workshops with experts from different construction-related disciplines and conducting online surveys to integrate different stakeholders in the process. The BUILDING UP website played an instrumental role in providing user-friendly project information, news and documents, with a private area for experts and stakeholders to contribute to the roadmap. Overall, the project built a common understanding of the barriers to achieving energy efficiency in built-up environments, providing crucial guidance for partners and stakeholders in construction, materials and renewable energy. It then vigorously disseminated its findings and recommendations through newsletters, seminars, conferences, journals and study visits. BUILDING UP outcomes are expected to boost competitiveness and innovation within the construction sector and support small businesses in the field. It will help the EU realise its vision of energy savings across the construction sector and related value chain, from architects and technology manufacturers to energy utilities and construction companies. Last but not least, this will bring numerous benefits to society, such as improved health and well-being, in addition to helping address climate change. Europe will be a better place to live in once this roadmap is adopted.
