Use of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) appropriations to finance energy-efficient renovation of buildings
5.9.2011
Question for written answer E-008117/2011
to the Commission
Rule 117
Damien Abad (PPE)
The European Economic Recovery Plan that was modified by Regulation (EC) No 397/2009 promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in the housing sector. As part of this pilot project, to be carried out between 2008 and 2013, 4 % of ERDF regional funding budgets may be used to subsidise projects to make buildings more heat and energy efficient.
This pilot project has been a great success in France, where 97 % of the funds in question have already been allocated to building renovation projects. ERDF-funded projects account for investment totalling more than one billion euros. As a result, the sector specialising in energy-efficient renovation, mainly made up of self-employed tradesmen and small and medium-sized businesses, has become more firmly established and provides 15 000 secure jobs. Renovation work of this kind reduces a household's energy consumption by an average of 40 %, increasing its purchasing power accordingly. Of the more than 50 000 buildings renovated in this way, 46 % have been awarded ‘low-energy building’ status (energy consumption equal to or lower than 80 kWh/m2/year).
Despite the environmental benefits and economic effectiveness of this policy, it is now being jeopardised by a shortage of funding. The pace of investment over the period to 2014 may be slowed down, highlighting the need to adapt the arrangements in light of the results already obtained.
Two issues relating to the continued funding of such projects until 2014 need clarification:
- —What can be done to ensure that ERDF investment of this kind continues (reallocating funds, making them available in the form of financial instruments or grants, etc.)?
- —Is an increase in the ERDF funding ceiling for projects to make buildings heat and energy efficient being considered?
OJ C 154 E, 31/05/2012