how to reach EU’s targets? – POLITICO

Reaching the EU’s 2050 target of becoming climate neutral by 2050 is impossible without decarbonizing much of the economy. The biggest challenge is buildings, which account for 36 percent of the EU’s CO2 emissions. But insulating, revamping heating, and rethinking how new buildings should be constructed — which involves new no-carbon technologies for steel and cement — poses a huge economic and political challenge for the bloc. POLITICO intends to discuss the issues involved with upgrading Europe’s building stock in two working groups, gathering our specialized journalists and stakeholders. 

Working group discussion 1 – How to decarbonize building materials? 

This first working group will look at the technological and environmental issues around decarbonizing materials like steel and cement, and the regulatory push that’s needed to get cities and owners to undertake often very expensive projects. 

Confirmed speakers:

1. Katharina Knapton-Vierlich, head of unit for construction, DG GROW, European Commission
2. Miljan Gutovic, region head, Europe, Holcim
3. MEP Ville Niinistö (Greens/EFA, Finland)  
4. Beatriz Yordi Aguirre, director, carbon markets and clean mobility, DG CLIMA, European Commission

Working group discussion 2 – The politics of decarbonizing the built environment 

This second working group will look at issues like the labor shortage that is hampering building renovation, the intricate political dance between building owners and tenants in upgrading buildings, and how local, national and EU politicians will have to press the issue without sparking a Yellow Jackets style revolt. 

Confirmed speakers:

1. MEP Ciarán Cuffe (Greens/EFA – Ireland)
2. Miljan Gutovic, region head, Europe, Holcim
3. Emmanuelle Maire, head of unit, circular economy, sustainable production and consumption DG ENV, European Commisison
4. Lydia Mutyebele, housing counsellor, City of Brussels
5. Leslie Petitjean, circular economy officer, International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)

This working group was conducted according to the Chatham House rule. The conversation will be led by a POLITICO reporter and will feed into an editorial story.

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For more information, please contact us by email at [email protected]. This event is not public.