Sufficiency in the building sector – for the EU Whole Life Carbon Roadmap

The document titled "Sufficiency in the building sector – for the EU Whole Life Carbon Roadmap" was prepared by BPIE and Ramboll for the European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment. It aims to address the climate, environmental, and housing crises by proposing sufficiency policies in the building sector. The final report, completed in August 2024, highlights the importance of optimizing existing building stocks rather than pursuing new construction, which has emerged as a significant source of emissions alongside operational emissions.

Research reveals that prioritizing the use of existing buildings can significantly reduce carbon emissions and alleviate housing shortages. For example, about 38% of buildings in the EU are under-occupied, with some countries reporting rates exceeding 60%. By converting offices to residential homes, mobilizing vacancies, and adapting single-family homes into multiple units, substantial reductions in material and energy demand can be realized. The report estimates that such measures could save approximately 9 million tonnes of CO2 annually in Germany alone.

The sufficiency approach not only addresses emissions but also meets social goals, such as easing housing shortages and reducing infrastructure costs for municipalities. The report details five case studies from different European regions that illustrate the potential impacts of sufficiency measures. These initiatives demonstrate that using existing spaces effectively leads to improved quality of life, affordable housing options, and reduced strains on land resources.

The analysis indicates that sufficiency measures can avoid significant new construction needs. For instance, estimates show potential avoided floor area ranging from 19,220 m² in Belgium to over 23 million m² in Germany. Additionally, adapting existing buildings instead of new constructions can result in embodied carbon emissions that are 62% lower, as evidenced by an Irish case study comparing a retrofit to a new build.

To promote sufficiency actions, the report suggests integrating these considerations into broader policy frameworks. It emphasizes the necessity of gathering better data on vacancies and fostering collaboration among local authorities and stakeholders. By utilizing existing data sources, municipalities can enhance their understanding of the vacancy landscape and develop targeted strategies for reintroducing vacant properties into the housing market.

The report concludes that more needs to be done to realize the potential of sufficiency initiatives in the building sector across Europe. The integration of sufficiency principles is crucial for achieving environmental sustainability and social equity. It advocates for a comprehensive set of policy instruments to support sufficiency measures while addressing existing barriers such as taxation, upfront costs, and the need for tailored approaches to individual circumstances.

In summary, sufficiency in the building sector offers a viable path toward sustainable housing, addressing urgent climate and social challenges while leveraging existing resources.