Europe’s local government organisation CoR, calls time on waste and a route to resource efficiency in the building sector…
Reacting to European Commission proposals, the Committee of the Regions (CoR) raised concerns that “the role of local and regional authorities had been worryingly overlooked” despite their responsibility for local housing development and resource efficiency. Led by Csaba Borboly, the CoRs’ opinion adopted earlier this month calls for greater EU investment in overcoming the challenges in developing sustainable buildings and expanding local green infrastructure.
Europe’s building sector produces roughly half of all extracted materials and generates about one third of all waste. The Commission review of the life-cycle of building production seeks to improve resource efficiency. President Borboly welcomes the proposals but raised serious concerns: “Improving resource efficiency in the sector is a huge global issue and Europe must lead the way in promoting more efficient use of materials, energy and water consumption, as well as better waste management. The Commission is right to pull together existing policies and set out plans to promote resource efficiency in the building sector”.
The development of EU-wide core indicators to measure and boost resource efficiency in the building sector is the cornerstone of the current Commission proposals. The Committee – the assembly of the EU’s local and regional representatives – feels that it could boost local economies and make a considerable contribution to the EU’s commitment to creating a sustainable economy, but far greater clarity was also needed in defining the guidelines. The EU must also consider the use of traditional methods and materials – such as wood – complemented by new technologies to bolster recycling of construction and demolition waste, and offer improved incentives for clients, contractors and developers in the construction sector. Borboly further commented, “Indicators are not the only way to green the building sector. While sustainable green buildings will save money, to maximise performance they must be supported by robust commissioning, effective management and collaboration between owners and occupiers delivered at the local and regional level.”
The Committee recognises the economic, social and environmental potential of setting out European guidelines in order to green the building industry, better manage resources and create new jobs.
However, with wide regional disparities and growing pressures on local government funding, the Committee calls on the EU to develop a compensation mechanism to help less developed regions to meet the challenges involved in creating sustainable buildings and expanding green infrastructure in those regions most affected by changes in land use.
Rural regions and small and medium-sized towns should be backed with proper investment and research into new technologies through EU funding pots such as Horizon 2020. ■
The CoR draft opinion is available here.
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