Multiple benefits of renovation in buildings - PU Europe
Multiple benefits of renovation in buildings - PU Europe
Multiple benefits of renovation in buildings - PU Europe
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<strong>Multiple</strong> <strong>benefits</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> energy<br />
efficient <strong>renovation</strong> <strong>of</strong> build<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Figure 11 Value <strong>of</strong> reduced air pollution<br />
€ bn<br />
16<br />
2012-2020 2020-2030<br />
14<br />
12<br />
10<br />
8<br />
15<br />
6<br />
4<br />
2<br />
5<br />
8<br />
10<br />
0<br />
Low EE scen High EE scen Low EE scen High EE scen<br />
Value <strong>of</strong> reduced air pollution<br />
Source: Copenhagen Economics based on GAINS model, DG Transport (2008), DG Energy (2010), Eurostat,<br />
and IEA (2012)<br />
The <strong>Europe</strong>an Commission has calculated the avoided costs from other <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
measures <strong>in</strong> order to reach EU policy objectives <strong>of</strong> reduced air pollution. This figure can<br />
be seen as the alternative value <strong>of</strong> reduc<strong>in</strong>g air pollution. In the scenario for go<strong>in</strong>g from a<br />
target <strong>of</strong> 20 per cent GHG emission reductions to 30 per cent, this has the value <strong>of</strong> €5.3<br />
billion per year. 21 This scenario assumes a reduction <strong>in</strong> gross energy consumption <strong>of</strong> 6.5<br />
per cent, and is therefore comparable to a cross between the low and high EE scenario.<br />
Health <strong>benefits</strong> – improved health from improved <strong>in</strong>door quality<br />
There is substantial evidence that energy efficient <strong>renovation</strong> <strong>in</strong> build<strong>in</strong>gs will have additional<br />
health effects. Renovations such as improved <strong>in</strong>sulation, more efficient heat<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
cool<strong>in</strong>g systems, better <strong>in</strong>door light<strong>in</strong>g, and better ventilation affects both health and<br />
productivity through several channels. The health effects stem primarily from alleviat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>adequate warmth and <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g access to daylight and ventilation. Studies have shown<br />
that respiratory and circulatory hospitalisations have been reduced by <strong>in</strong>sulat<strong>in</strong>g houses,<br />
as these diseases are particularly responsive to the effects <strong>of</strong> temperature. 22 Cold houses<br />
are also likely to be damp, which can lead to the growth <strong>of</strong> mould, which can cause respiratory<br />
symptoms. In addition better <strong>in</strong>door light<strong>in</strong>g and ventilation improves the <strong>in</strong>door<br />
climate <strong>in</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice build<strong>in</strong>gs which is likely to <strong>in</strong>crease productivity, and may even improve<br />
students’ learn<strong>in</strong>g ability and their future productivity. 23<br />
To our knowledge, these <strong>benefits</strong> have been quantified to a very low extent and only for<br />
very specific projects under specific circumstances. Due to high uncerta<strong>in</strong>ty related to an<br />
21 See <strong>Europe</strong>an Commission (2010), page 59<br />
22 Barnard et al (2011), page 11.<br />
23 See e.g. Threlfall (2011), Liddell et al. (2011), Barnard et al. (2011), UK Department <strong>of</strong> Health (2010), REHVA (2006), and<br />
Slotsholm (2012)<br />
19