A Campaign to Drive Smarter Renovation in Europe
Europe is at a turning point in its energy transition. As the continent works towards a more sustainable, energy-efficient, and resilient future, one critical question remains: How can we make our buildings more efficient while keeping costs manageable for citizens and businesses?
The Priority? Insulation! campaign, launched by the European Insulation Platform, a coalition of trade associations composed of EUMEPS, EURIMA, EXIBA, and PU Europe, aims to provide a clear answer: insulation must come first in any renovation strategy.
This material-neutral communications campaign targets EU policymakers, industry leaders, and the wider public to highlight insulation’s essential role in reducing energy consumption, strengthening energy security, and making renovations more affordable. With 75% of Europe’s building stock energy inefficient, the campaign delivers a simple yet powerful message: energy efficiency starts with insulation.
By focusing on evidence-based policy recommendations, real-world case studies, and industry expertise, Priority? Insulation! supports European decision-makers in implementing effective and sustainable building renovation policies.
The campaign’s key objectives are to:
- Showcase insulation as the most cost-effective and impactful solution for reducing energy consumption.
- Demonstrate its contribution to the EU’s climate and energy goals, including the Green Deal and Fit for 55.
- Encourage European and national policymakers to prioritise insulation in upcoming legislation and funding strategies.
Why Insulation Comes First?
The energy crisis has made it clear that reducing energy demand is as crucial as finding new energy sources. Insulation directly addresses this issue by ensuring that buildings lose as little energy as possible, reducing the need for excessive heating in winter and cooling in summer.
Without proper insulation, even the most advanced heating and energy systems struggle to perform efficiently. Buildings that are poorly insulated require more energy to stay warm in winter and cool in summer, putting unnecessary strain on energy grids and increasing household energy bills. Investing in better heating or renewable energy solutions without first addressing insulation leads to higher costs and inefficiencies.
The campaign uses a simple analogy to explain this principle: just like baking a cake, renovations must be done in the right order. Starting with insulation ensures that every subsequent investment in energy efficiency delivers the best possible results.
In addition to reducing energy waste, insulation also contributes to energy security. Europe currently imports over half of its energy, making it highly vulnerable to market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. Every 1% increase in energy efficiency reduces gas imports by 2.6%, reinforcing the EU’s energy independence.
Key Messages of the Campaign
Priority? Insulation! promotes insulation as a multifaceted solution that benefits households, businesses, and national economies. The campaign is built around several key messages:
First, insulation reduces energy costs for citizens and businesses. Households can save up to €1,350 per year on heating bills through proper insulation, making homes more affordable, comfortable, and resilient against energy price spikes. This is particularly relevant for the 10% of Europeans affected by energy poverty, who struggle to heat their homes adequately in winter.
Second, insulation plays a vital role in stabilising energy demand and reducing pressure on electricity grids. By preventing energy waste at the source, it lowers peak demand, reducing the need for costly grid reinforcements. Estimates show that proper insulation could reduce peak electricity demand by up to 50%, saving Europe up to €153 billion in infrastructure costs by 2050.
Third, insulation is directly linked to public health and well-being. Poorly insulated homes are prone to dampness, mould, and indoor air pollution, which significantly increase the risk of respiratory diseases. Studies show that better indoor air quality and temperature stability reduce hospital stays by 11% and improve workplace productivity by up to 3.6%, bringing additional economic benefits.
Finally, insulation is a driver of job creation and economic growth. The insulation industry is inherently local, as materials are bulky and not cost-effective to transport over long distances. This makes insulation an ideal sector for stimulating regional economies and creating skilled jobs. Every €1 million invested in insulation generates 18 jobs, contributing to Europe’s ambition of developing a more sustainable and self-sufficient economy.
Aligning with the European Union’s Climate and Energy Goals
The campaign aligns closely with Europe’s climate policies and long-term energy efficiency strategies. It supports key EU initiatives, including:
- The European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Energy efficiency measures like insulation are central to achieving this goal, as buildings account for nearly 40% of the EU’s energy consumption.
- Fit for 55, the EU’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Improving insulation in buildings reduces energy demand, helping achieve these ambitious climate targets.
- The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which requires Member States to improve the energy efficiency of buildings through national renovation strategies. Insulation is a key enabler of the directive’s Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS).
- The Renovation Wave Strategy, which aims to at least double the annual rate of building renovations by 2030. The campaign advocates for a step-by-step renovation approach, with insulation as the foundation for all future upgrades.
By prioritising insulation, policymakers can achieve faster, more cost-effective, and long-term results while ensuring that European citizens benefit from reduced energy costs and improved living conditions.
Conclusion: Why Prioritising Insulation is the Smart Choice
Priority? Insulation! sends a clear message: insulation is not just about saving energy—it is about creating a resilient, affordable, and healthier future for all Europeans.
By placing insulation at the heart of renovation strategies, Europe can reduce energy costs, improve energy security, enhance public health, and stimulate economic growth. This campaign serves as a call to action for EU regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to ensure that insulation is recognised as the first and most effective step in achieving energy efficiency goals.
The campaign is actively engaging with policymakers, industry professionals, and the public through targeted communications, fact-based reports, and case studies. Stakeholders are encouraged to support the campaign by sharing its content and advocating for policies that prioritise insulation.