Analysis by Cambridge Econometrics published today shows that energy efficient buildings are a pre-condition for successful climate action, backed by strong public support revealed through polling carried out across five countries by OnePoll.

However, demand for renovation must be accompanied by ambitious legislation and efforts to simplify finance, increase workforce capacity, and project management support if energy efficient buildings are to be a long-term success.

The ROCKWOOL Group commissioned report shows three key benefits of ambitious building renovation programmes:

1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions - buildings account for 36% of energy related emissions in the EU, 40% in the US and 42% in the UK.
2. Cheaper-to-run and healthier homes.
3. Opportunity for people to personally experience the benefits of climate action, leading to sustained momentum over the next decades.
   

The polling by OnePoll in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, United Kingdom and United States demonstrates strong public support for energy efficient buildings, with 79% of respondents stating that they would renovate their homes if they had the support and 73% would support mandatory energy performance standards, given the right enabling conditions.

Cost was highlighted as a key barrier with 56% of respondents stating they have little or no knowledge about applying for fundings, seeking advice, or finding suitable workers. It was therefore recommended in the report that ambitious legislation is an important next step, alongside dedicated efforts to overcome the key barriers highlighted by the poll.