Sean Kelly, MEP and senior member of the EU’s Energy Committee, says a neighbourhood approach is essential in our pursuit of energy efficiency. Looking at scale rather than just individual building level offers additional ways to reach ecological, climate, energy usage and social goals in the building sector. These ways are not available with a perspective that is limited to single buildings or apartments.

By considering entire neighbourhoods and taking into account local mobility, social infrastructures, along with water and wastewater management, we can enhance the effectiveness of renovations.

From the historical perspective, most institutional housing providers own residential units that are geographically clustered, i.e., neighbourhoods. Yet, a neighbourhood is more than the sum of its buildings – public and green spaces, amenities, mobility and public transport, social and commercial services are all included.

The EPBD should now embrace this neighbourhood approach to strike a balance between individual building approaches, as detailed in the European Parliament’s Report, and national trajectories for progressive renovations in the Council’s General Approach.

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