The European Commission, local authorities and housing organisations have launched the new Structural Funds measure on energy efficiency and renewable energy in housing.

The Committee of the Regions hosted a conference organised by CECODHAS, the European network of social and cooperative housing federations and CEMR, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, on the new Structural Funds’ opportunities for energy and housing, last week.

Almost €8bn from the European Regional Development Fund over the period 2007-2013 will be made available from this month to co-finance insulation works, installation of solar panels, replacement of substandard boiler in existing housing stock in all EU regions.

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At the conference, Dirk Ahner, Director General for Regional Policy, said: "Being a European Cohesion Policy instrument, ERDF support is directed only where the need exists, where public support is necessary, and in a way supporting social cohesion. In this context, social housing could be a priority field of intervention."

David Orr, President of CECODHAS, concluded that "in terms of climate change, we are one minute to midnight. We must use this new opportunity given by the EU structural funds to act rapidly".

He added: "Energy investments in high quality social and cooperative housing will not only help to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, it will also create jobs and decrease fuel poverty, which hits too many households."

(PR/BMcC)