The European Green Deal: Policy Context for EPS Applications
The European Green Deal aims to propel the European Union towards a sustainable and climate-neutral economy by 2050 through a comprehensive and concerted strategy. Within this framework, EUMEPS contributes sector expertise to policy discussions concerning EPS applications in construction and packaging, including building thermal performance and recycling infrastructure.
Driving Energy Efficiency in Buildings & Construction
A cornerstone of the European Green Deal is the emphasis on increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, which represent 42% of Europe’s carbon emissions at present. EPS is used in insulation systems for buildings. When correctly specified and installed, EPS insulation can contribute to a building’s thermal performance. Actual energy use and greenhouse-gas impacts depend on the complete building system, including its design, installation, climate, operation and energy source.
Moreover, the application of EPS in construction extends beyond residential buildings to include commercial and public structures. EUMEPS contributes to discussions on building renovation, including the Renovation Wave initiative, by providing sector information on EPS insulation applications.
Advancing Circular Economy Principles
The European Green Deal emphasises the need to transition to a circular economy, wherein waste is minimised, and resource allocation, optimised. In this context, EPS can be technically recycled through established processes. Effective collection and recycling depend on product design and the availability of suitable local collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure.
EUMEPS is further committed to this core tenet of the Green Deal by participating in the development of standards and practices that facilitate EPS recycling. Collaborating with stakeholders across the value chain, EUMEPS works to support collection, sorting and recycling initiatives for EPS. These efforts are relevant to the European Green Deal’s circular-economy objectives.
The Path Forward
The European Green Deal sets forth a visionary path towards a sustainable and climate-neutral future. EUMEPS will continue to contribute to policy dialogue on building performance, recycling systems and the regulatory framework affecting EPS applications.