Co-funding with banks ‘needed to reach EU energy savings target’

Co-funding in association with private banks for environmental upgrades of houses and buildings will be necessary if an EU energy savings target of 32.5 percent by 2030 is to be achieved, European Commission officials believe.

EU subsidy programs, alone, cannot suffice to cover the annual cost, until 2030, of environmental upgrades around the EU, estimated at 170 billion euros, Brussels officials have noted.

The European Commission has established partnerships with 45 European banks committed to extending home loans incorporating extra amounts for energy upgrade work.

The European Commission also plans to support energy upgrades of public buildings.