We joined the “Build Better Lives” campaign, an initiative started by the Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, which aims to ensure decent, affordable and energy efficient homes for all.
“Build Better Lives” seeks to unite social, climate and youth movements to promote the need for more energy efficient buildings that can benefit millions of people’s lives throughout Europe. The campaign promotes the need for creating safer, healthier and more comfortable environments where many of us work, play and live. More energy-efficient buildings reduce our energy consumption, which lowers our energy bills along with greenhouse gas emissions.
We joined to support the general cause of better quality and affordable housing for all and to add the accessibility angle to this discussion. The lack of accessible housing stock is a significant problem that leads to some persons with disabilities being trapped in their own homes or living in unsuitable conditions. The impact of extreme climate events such as the heatwaves in the south of Europe, or flooding, also means we have to adapt our housing stock and build better and accessible.
We are already raising awareness of how accessibility of buildings can be improved hand in hand with energy efficiency due to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive of the EU – thanks to our BUILD project. Joining the “Build Better Lives” campaign is a natural next step to join forces with like-minded organisations.
If you would like to learn more, you can read the open statement that EDF signed, and join the campaign – it is open to other organisations. For more information you can contact Marie Denninghaus (marie.denninghaus@edf-feph.org).
Featured image credit: “Build Better Lives” campaign