HouseEurope! Stop demolition, boost renovation!

Globally, the construction sector accounts for 38% of global CO² emissions. By comparison, the aviation sector accounts for only 3.5%.

Luxembourg is no exception to this trend, as more than 80% of the country’s total waste volume is construction-related. Despite housing shortages, it is estimated that between 5 and 10% of houses in Luxembourg are empty. In this context, renovation must become a first choice.

HouseEurope!, supported by citizens and partners across the continent, has decided to change the situation through citizen mobilisation. The common goal is to collect as many votes as possible, in order to initiate a decisive change and make renovation simpler, less expensive and more accessible than demolition. If one million European citizens support the request, the European Commission will examine its proposal and set up a working group. Luxembourg can play a decisive role in the success of this initiative, by collecting 4,500 signatures.

The University of Luxembourg, through its Master in Architecture programme, joins forces with ten Luxembourg partners, including LUCA, Lëtzebuerger Denkmalschutz, OAI, INPA, the Mouvement écologique and Oekozenter Paffendall to lead the campaign. Coordinated by Prof. Florian Hertweck, the campaign will offer numerous opportunities to get informed and get involved.

What is HouseEurope asking for?

Tax breaks for sustainable renovations and reused materials, for example, an ultra-reduced VAT rate (on all buildings, not just residential ones).
Fair and transparent rules for assessing the potential of existing buildings, so that risks are not the only factors considered.
and new values for the embodied energy and CO2 content related to existing structures, which are otherwise not taken into account.

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Why prioritise the renovation of buildings?

Renovating existing buildings is faster and simpler than building new ones
The land is already available
Around 5 to 10% of homes are vacant in Luxembourg

The construction sector is responsible for about 38% of global CO2 emissions (in comparison, the aviation sector represents 3.5%)
The energy used for materials and construction makes up the majority of a building’s carbon footprint

It is crucial to preserve the buildings that define the character of localities and renovate them in an attractive way.

Every year in Europe, buildings capable of housing 50 million people are demolished.
Renovation supports artisanal employment and the sustainability of local businesses.

Building only new structures worsens the destruction of green spaces
We need more green spaces in our cities to mitigate the effects of climate change.

How to act?

You can sign the petition directly online
To better understand the challenges of deconstruction and the benefits of renovation, the University of Luxembourg is launching a series of conferences throughout the year, during which you can engage with experts from various fields.