The European Union is in the midst of an energy crisis which, as far as housing is concerned, is truly unprecedented. According to data provided by the European Union itself, buildings account for a staggering 40% of energy consumption on the continent and contribute 36% of CO2 emissions. This situation is largely due to the fact that most buildings in the EU are inefficient and consume an excessive amount of energy from fossil fuels. The extraction and use of these fuels generate greenhouse gas emissions that accelerate climate change and have devastating consequences for our environment.

In Spain, the situation of the housing stock is even more worrying. Incredibly, 80% of the buildings in the country have an energy rating of F or G. However, with the entry into force of the new Brussels regulations, it is expected that by 2040 all buildings will achieve an energy efficiency rating of A or B. This means that in the coming years, many of these buildings will have to undergo substantial renovations to meet the rigorous efficiency and sustainability standards set by the EU. This means that in the coming years, many of these buildings will have to undergo substantial renovations to meet the stringent efficiency and sustainability standards set by the European institutions.

To address this monumental challenge, EU, national and regional institutions are joining forces, supported by the European Next Generation Funds, where the ecological transition is at the heart of the agenda. The building sector, one of the largest energy consumers and CO2 emitters, must play a key role in the transformation towards sustainability, not only in the design and construction phase of buildings, but also in their subsequent habitability and maintenance.

In this context, we present five key proposals to make housing more sustainable:

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Self-consumption of energy:

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Self-consumption allows households to generate their own energy by installing photovoltaic panels that are connected to the electricity grid to guarantee supply. This clean energy source harnesses the sun's light and heat, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint. In addition, self-consumption not only benefits the environment, but can also generate substantial savings on energy bills and provide long-term cost stability.

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2. Green Mortgages:

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Green mortgages reward the purchase, construction, refurbishment or renovation of sustainable housing. Mortgage interest rates are based on the home's energy certification, which means that the more energy efficient the home, the lower the interest rate. This translates into savings on electricity and air conditioning bills, making it easier to repay the mortgage loan. In addition, energy-efficient homes have a higher value and contribute to long-term appreciation.

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3. Echometer:

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The Ecometer is an online tool that evaluates the sustainability of a home from a variety of perspectives, including the environment, materials used, design, water use and energy efficiency. This holistic approach allows informed decisions to be made to reduce the environmental impact of a building project. In addition, the calculation of a home's daily carbon footprint can be offset through donations to reforestation and energy efficiency projects.

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4. Bioclimatic Houses:

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These homes are designed to make the best use of natural resources, such as sunlight and heat. They are equipped with efficient insulation systems that reduce dependence on fossil energy sources for heating and cooling. In addition, natural and ecological materials are used in their construction, making them healthy and environmentally friendly spaces.

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5. Green Energy:

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Green energy is a clean and renewable energy source that drastically reduces environmental emissions and waste. Hiring green energy contributes to the transition to a more sustainable energy matrix and reduces environmental impact. Some companies guarantee that their energy comes from 100% renewable sources, which is verified through certifications from the National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC).

In short, the energy crisis in the European Union is a wake-up call to embrace sustainability in housing. With these five proposals, we can pave the way to a more sustainable, healthy and comfortable future, while protecting our precious environment.

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