ADVANTAGE AUSTRIJA – Workshop
ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA – Workshop
How will the EPBD and upcoming EU legislation impact new construction and renovation in Croatia and Austria?
Over 30 top experts from the Austrian and Croatian construction sectors gathered at ORIS on October 17, 2023.
In the opening remarks, Gerhard Schlattl, Austrian Trade Commissioner in Zagreb, presented the Energy Globe Award to Ivanka Stričević, Director of NSK, for their project "Green Library for a Green Croatia" and wished them success in the global competition.
Following an introductory presentation about the innovations introduced by this directive by Anđelka Toto Ormuž from ROCKWOOL Adriatica, engaging discussions among participants unfolded on topics such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the role of the financial sector in renovations, sustainable materials and technologies, and certification schemes for buildings. It was an excellent opportunity for exchanging experiences and viewpoints among representatives of Austrian companies and Croatian participants from the education and finance sectors, industry, professional associations, local authorities, architects, and more.
The moderators who played a crucial role in leading the discussions included our director Monika Kordić, Tomislav Stašić from Idea2project, Hrvoje Kvasnička from Bricmore, and Saša Marenjak from the PPP Center. Workshop co-organizers were GREENiKA Business Consulting, ROCKWOOL Adriatic, Holz-cluster, and Oris House of Architecture.
Monika Kordić moderated the roundtable discussion on Green Financing. The conclusion of the workshop was that, although the ambitious EPBD is necessary for Croatia and Austria, as well as the entire EU, continuous education of all stakeholders involved in this process is essential for successful and high-quality building renovations.
ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION IS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT BUILDINGS. ENERGY EFFICIENCY IS A MAKE OR BREAK FOR 2030/2050 CLIMATE GOALS. MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ACROSS THE EU ARE AFFECTED BY ENERGY POVERTY, AND THE RISE IN ENERGY PRICES INDICATES THAT WE MUST NOT NEEDLESSLY WASTE ENERGY ON HEATING AND COOLING.
The annual renovation rate in Croatia is below 1%, and in Austria, it's 1.5%, which is still less than the 3% considered necessary for decarbonization to meet climate goals.
Here are some key topics and conclusions from the dynamic discussions:
- EPBD introduces many innovations, such as Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), which define how, when, and to what extent existing buildings will be renovated. Then there's the Renovation Passport, which will indicate how and by what measures a building will become carbon-neutral by 2050.
- Money and financial instruments are necessary for renovations. There is a need to involve the industry and investors in directing investments to complete the EU renovation wave. More financial schemes are needed to boost the EU renovation wave. Much more investment is required.
- MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) must also be developed in conjunction with banks.
- Continuous education of all stakeholders involved in this process is essential for successful and high-quality building renovations.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), as a tool used to assess the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life, must be considered when evaluating projects. Increasingly, end consumers are aware and seek this data.
- Energy efficiency in buildings is a necessary driver of ecological transition, economic sustainability, and the well-being of people.
- Millions of people across the EU are affected by energy poverty, and the increase in energy prices indicates that we must not needlessly waste energy on heating and cooling.
- Sustainable building materials and green technologies play a vital role in ensuring healthy buildings where we spend most of our lives.
- Achieving climate goals in the coming decades will create new quality green jobs and a more sustainable construction industry
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