The building is about 12% of the GDP of the European Union while the buildings account absorb about 40% of energy consumption and are responsible for about 36% of greenhouse gases emissions. The homes also are not prepared for climate changes; in all countries there are homes that are not enough cool in summer and not warm enough in the winter...

(Over 15% in Italy, Latvia, Poland, Cyprus and 50% in Portugal) and in countries like Cyprus and Italy accommodations "are not equipped to cope with harsh winters." Based on these considerations, the European Union Parliament passed a resolution calling for the establishment of programs of energy efficiency for existing buildings. In particular, the document submitted by Bendt Bendtsen (EPP, DK) and approved in recent days with 511 votes in favor, 64 against and 57 abstentions, Parliament: - Calls on the Commission to promote new initiatives in support of building refurbishments in the context of the forthcoming innovation strategy, such as an innovation energy partnership in efficient energy / zero emissions cities; - Encourages Member States to promote the replacement of certain inefficient buildings, not belonging to the historical and cultural heritage, so the redevelopment would not be sustainable or cost-effective; - Calls on the Member States to accelerate the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates issued independently by qualified and / or accredited, unique desk providing access to technical advice and support as well as financial incentives available at regional, national and European level ; - Urges Member States to systematically use public procurement practices that provide energy efficiency criteria. It is therefore necessary, according to the European parliament, to initiate programs of upgrading of the energy efficiency of existing buildings, starting first from public buildings (Text taken from Biblus-net web publishing Acca Software SpA).