Czechia must speed up building renovations to meet EU directives, Hladík says

The Czech Republic must speed up the pace of building renovations to achieve the energy efficiency and decarbonisation required by European directives. Environment Minister Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL) told reporters today. The directives on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources have been tightened compared with previous requirements following their approval by the European Parliament. In response, the government adopted a so-called climate and energy plan in October, which sets even more ambitious targets. Expanding the existing calls for grants under the Ministry of the Environment’s (MŽP) New Green Savings (NZÚ) programme should help implement the plan more effectively.

„Municipalities, cities and natural areas need to adapt to a changing climate and the associated increase in heatwaves and more intense periods of rainfall. A combination of energy savings and the installation of renewable sources to generate electricity and heat is therefore important. This is already working in family homes, and it needs to be expanded to apartment buildings, public buildings and offices,“ Hladík said.

One percent of buildings undergoes comprehensive renovation each year. Following the approval of the climate and energy plan, the share of renovations should reach three percent. The European Energy Efficiency Directive requires energy consumption in buildings to be reduced by at least 1.9 percent annually. It also requires the EU to increase efficiency from 2024 and achieve savings that would lower overall final energy consumption by an average of 1.5 percent per year. The original plan had set a target of 0.8 percent. By 2030, consumption should fall by 11.7 percent compared with the levels the EU forecast for the end of the decade three years ago.

The climate and energy plan also responds to the Renewable Energy Directive. Under the directive, the EU should produce 42.5 percent of its total energy consumption from renewable sources in 2030. The rules were tightened following approval by the European Parliament, raising the target from a binding 32 percent. The directive also requires a 55 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and improved energy efficiency in the least efficient existing buildings. The plan therefore envisages the share of renewable energy in consumption rising from around 18 percent currently to 30 percent by 2030. Growth should be driven mainly by solar and wind power, with nuclear power also expected to expand over the longer term.

From February, the MŽP will offer applicants to the Repair Your House from Grandma programme a more favourable 3.5 percent loan. According to Petr Valdman, director of the State Environmental Fund, this step is „the first swallow“ that should make grants for home renovations more accessible.

The standard NZÚ programme supports all categories of insulation, so applicants can also apply for a grant for basic or partial insulation. Unlike under the Repair Your House from Grandma programme, people receive the money after carrying out the measures. Both forms of support for family homes offer households bonuses for disadvantaged regions, as well as bonuses for combining measures. Individuals, homeowners’ associations (SVJ), housing cooperatives and municipalities can apply for the funds.