The implementation of the energy and climate policy goals set by the European Commission for 2030, as well as the building energy objectives, remains a challenge due to the lack of adequate market financing. Given the current significantly increased energy prices, it is urgently necessary to accelerate the transition to clean energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports. One of the obstacles to promoting energy efficiency and the wider spread of integrated renewable energy sources is the lack of coordination and agreement among the actors involved in the subject: the financial sector, public sector, government, and private sector.
The European Commission is committed to promoting sustainable finance, which is why the Sustainable Energy Investment Forum has been organized at the pan-European and national levels since 2017, with participation from professional and political actors from the member states. The consortium members consider it important to establish dialogue among the actors. Therefore, within the framework of the RENOINVEST project, we are initiating the creation of national round tables in Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia.
These national roundtables facilitate open dialogue among the involved actors to discuss obstacles and opportunities related to spreading financing tools necessary to accelerate building energy renovations, with a primary focus on existing private and public buildings, as well as SMEs and the service sector. The roundtables create an opportunity to exchange experiences, develop common solutions, and share best practices. Consequently, the RENOINVEST project aims to propose the possibility of introducing new business financing mechanisms.
Given that Europe is endeavoring to overcome the crisis caused by the coronavirus epidemic and rising energy prices, accelerating building renovations offers a unique opportunity to renew our building stock. The circular economy, nature-based solutions, integration of technologies related to renewable energy sources, digital technologies, smart buildings, and energy certificates are all important topics. Prioritizing these topics will support the efforts outlined by the European Union in the Green Deal. It is therefore essential in the participating countries to promote the implementation of deep renovations by providing adequate financial opportunities. In this regard, the RENOINVEST project intends to formulate measures and policy recommendations until 2030 through roundtable discussions involving the most decisive players in the field.
