Italy is pushing back against EU plans to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

The ‘green buildings’ pact aims to slash greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector – the single largest energy consumer in the EU.

But Italy says neither its government nor homeowners can afford to complete the required renovations.

EU countries are set to negotiate binding legislation this year.

The EU green buildings pact aims to make public and residential buildings more climate friendly by improving insulation and energy efficiency. The goal is to double renovation rates by 2030.

The European Commission has proposed that the worst 15 per cent of residential buildings in each country be improved by 2030 and again by 2033. Non-residential buildings face a similar timetable.

Environmental activists say Italy’s sudden opposition to the long-standing project risks undermining the EU’s goal of becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

The European Commission estimates that the bloc’s buildings account for 40 per cent of the EU’s energy consumption and 36 per cent of its CO2 emissions. The sector is therefore crucial in the fight against climate change.

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