Investing in water efficiency when renovating buildings
7.3.2023
Question for written answer E-000781/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)
Through the renovation wave initiative, the EU aims to increase energy efficiency by renovating 35 million building units by 2030. A significant amount of funding will be required for this purpose.
Besides reducing emissions, it is essential to safeguard water security. A recent United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification report indicated that, unless urgent action is taken, 3 out of 4 people will suffer from drought by 2050. Given that 13 Member States have declared themselves to be affected by desertification and water scarcity, as well as the fact that droughts are increasingly frequent and widespread in the EU, water efficiency in building units must be prioritised, such as through rainwater harvesting and use, greywater reuse or insulating piping.
- 1.Is the Commission planning on promoting water- and energy-efficiency measures concomitantly during the mandatory renovation of buildings or will new investments have to be made at a later stage to improve water efficiency?
- 2.How does it intend to ensure water efficiency in households over the coming years?
Submitted: 7.3.2023