World Green Building Council's (WorldGBC) Europe Regional Network (ERN) of 25 Green Building Councils and our regional partners welcomes the publication of the EU's Affordable Housing Plan (AHP) and recognise it as an important step towards addressing the challenge of access to genuinely affordable, sustainable and quality housing.
The AHP covers many of the elements that our network put forward in our position paper, including prioritising renovation, circularity and innovation and financing. It rightly recognises that affordability, energy performance and climate objectives must be addressed together to deliver housing that is fit for the future and resilient to climate and economic impacts.
See below our quick reaction to the key elements of the AHP:
Where the AHP sets the right direction
Renovation First
We strongly welcome the AHP's emphasis on upgrading Europe's existing building stock. Renovating and repurposing existing buildings is the most cost-effective and socially beneficial route to expanding affordable housing supply. Prioritising renovation over unnecessary demolition can reduce energy bills and emissions while strengthening climate resilience, protecting households from heat stress, extreme weather and energy price volatility. This approach aligns with the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which places renovation at the heart of Europe's housing and energy transition.
Quality and innovation in housing delivery
We also support the focus on housing quality through innovation, including greater circularity and digitisation. These approaches are essential to delivering high-quality, zero-emission homes at scale while supporting Europe's industrial competitiveness. The Circular Economy Act and the revision of the Public Procurement Directive will be key to turning this ambition into practical, market-ready solutions.
Mobilising finance
We welcome the AHP's recognition that mobilising additional private and public investment is central to delivering affordable, sustainable housing. By scaling up and targeting EU investment, through the current and next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the Social Climate Fund and the proposed Pan-European Investment Platform, will be critical to supporting renovation, lowering household energy costs and ensuring long term affordability.
Where further safeguards are needed
Simplification without lowering standards
We urge caution regarding the AHP's focus on reducing administrative barriers to accelerate new housing construction, particularly through the announced Housing Simplification Package. Faster delivery is important, but simplification must not come at the expense of sustainability, quality or environmental safeguards. Weakening requirements on energy performance, zero-emission buildings or life-cycle Global Warming Potential (GWP) would risk undermining Europe's climate objectives and locking in higher costs for households over time.
Our network's role in delivery
WorldGBC's ERN is uniquely placed to support the delivery of the Affordable Housing Plan. Through our national GBCs, we can help bridge EU policy with practical delivery on the ground, drawing on local case studies and the expertise of more than 5,000 member companies.
Affordable, sustainable housing is not only a social imperative but also the foundation of Europe's green, just and competitive transition.
Read WorldGBC's position paper on the Affordable Housing Plan here.
