Collaboration with BUILD UP: SHERLOCK's article on funding challenges and opportunities for EU building renovation

We are excited to announce SHERLOCK’s collaboration with BUILD UP, the European portal for energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings, through a technical article titled "Funding Building Renovations: Tackling Challenges in the EU's Plan for Energy Decarbonisation."

On one hand, the article discusses how buildings significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, making energy-efficient renovations essential for achieving climate targets. On the other hand, it highlights the financial challenges and opportunities within the energy-efficient building sector. The EU requires substantial investment—€392 billion annually—alongside national efforts to meet its 2030 and 2050 goals. However, energy efficiency investments face barriers, including fragmented markets, complex decision-making, and low social awareness. The revised EU directives and the Renovation Wave Strategy aim to decarbonise the building sector by 2050, but both public and private funds are necessary to close the financing gap.

Energy-efficient building renovations offer benefits beyond energy savings, such as improved public health, economic growth, support for SMEs, job creation, and reduced carbon emissions. Various funding sources, including the European Structural and Investment Funds, EFSI, and the LIFE programme, reflect the EU's commitment to sustainable buildings. Nonetheless, a gap in financial and technical expertise remains a challenge for energy efficiency investments.

To bridge this skills gap, the SHERLOCK project is developing micro-credential programs to upskill both technical and financial professionals. This training aims to foster better understanding of energy efficiency investments, bridging the divide between technical developers and financial institutions. Through collaboration and skill development, the EU’s integrated approach aims to ensure energy-efficient, sustainable buildings, advancing its climate goals for 2030 and beyond.

Find the full version of the technical article here.

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