Green Homes: Which Families Will Be Forced to Renovate
The Impacts of the Green Homes Directive on Families
The Green Homes Directive aims to have all houses emitting zero emissions by 2050, which will require many families to renovate their properties.
Unfortunately, nearly every homeowner is likely to fall into this category, needing to improve their property’s energy efficiency to achieve zero emissions.
This goal affects both public and private buildings, including residential homes, shops, and offices.
Italy and the Green Homes Directive
Italy is one of the countries most affected by the Green Homes Directive due to 60% of its buildings being over 50 years old.
This leads to many properties falling into the lower energy classes F and G, requiring urgent upgrades.
Key Upgrades for Energy Efficiency
To reach the EU’s target, installations such as solar panels, induction plates, thermal insulation, window replacements, and heat pumps are essential.
These upgrades come at a significant cost, impacting most Italian households as per the national renovation plans.
Starting from 2030, new buildings must have solar panels, and by 2040, gas boilers will be phased out.
These costly interventions aim to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
Energy Classes F and G in Italy
Over 50% of Italian buildings fall into the two worst energy classes: 29.3% in G and 23.4% in F.
These properties consume up to five times more energy than those in higher energy classes, resulting in higher utility bills.
Approximately 70% of buildings will require upgrades to meet the EU’s ambitious goals, with only 3 out of 10 families exempt from renovation costs.
Costs and Financial Support
The cost of renovations varies depending on the type of building.
For example, to benefit from the “superbonus,” which requires a two-class energy improvement, condominiums face an average cost close to €600,000, while single-family homes exceed €110,000.
Future financial support may be limited to those in economic need, as incentives are set to decrease by 2025.
Families not meeting these criteria will need to plan renovations using bank financing options.
