Reducing Gas Consumption in European Union Buildings: Integrating Technologies and Policies for a Sustainable Energy Transition

TY - GEN

T1 - Reducing Gas Consumption in European Union Buildings

T2 - Integrating Technologies and Policies for a Sustainable Energy Transition

AU - Forghaniallahabadi, Maryam

PY - 2023

Y1 - 2023

N2 - The European Union’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 necessitates a fundamental transformation of its building sector, which accounts for approximately 35% of the region’s energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. This research investigates strategies to reduce gas consumption in EU buildings through an integrated examination of emerging technologies and policy frameworks. It explores three key technological pathways i.e., energy efficiency retrofitting, the deployment of heat pumps, and the integration of green hydrogen, highlighting their combined potential to decarbonize heating and cooling systems. Complementary to these technological interventions, the study analyzes policy mechanisms including the European Green Deal, the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), and the Renovation Wave Strategy. Together, these frameworks establish a multi-level governance approach empowering local authorities, industries, and consumers to advance low-carbon building practices. The findings emphasize that while the EU has made substantial progress toward energy-efficient and nearly zero-emission buildings, challenges remain in financing retrofits, addressing energy poverty, and reducing the cost of green hydrogen production. By linking technological innovation with robust policy implementation, this research underscores the pivotal role of the building sector in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 11, and 13) and in driving a just and resilient energy transition across Europe.

AB - The European Union’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 necessitates a fundamental transformation of its building sector, which accounts for approximately 35% of the region’s energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. This research investigates strategies to reduce gas consumption in EU buildings through an integrated examination of emerging technologies and policy frameworks. It explores three key technological pathways i.e., energy efficiency retrofitting, the deployment of heat pumps, and the integration of green hydrogen, highlighting their combined potential to decarbonize heating and cooling systems. Complementary to these technological interventions, the study analyzes policy mechanisms including the European Green Deal, the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), and the Renovation Wave Strategy. Together, these frameworks establish a multi-level governance approach empowering local authorities, industries, and consumers to advance low-carbon building practices. The findings emphasize that while the EU has made substantial progress toward energy-efficient and nearly zero-emission buildings, challenges remain in financing retrofits, addressing energy poverty, and reducing the cost of green hydrogen production. By linking technological innovation with robust policy implementation, this research underscores the pivotal role of the building sector in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 11, and 13) and in driving a just and resilient energy transition across Europe.

KW - Energy Efficiency

KW - Building Sector

KW - Sustainable Energy Transition

KW - climate action

KW - European Union (EU)

KW - building

M3 - Other contribution

PB - University of Dundee

ER -