According to data released by Eurostat on October 1, 2023, only 25% of the EU population aged 16 and over have seen energy efficiency upgrades in their homes over the past five years, meaning one in four Europeans live in more energy-efficient dwellings.
However, a closer look at the statistics shows that people at risk of poverty or social exclusion are less likely to experience these improvements, with just 17.8% living in energy-efficient homes compared to 27.5% of those not at risk.
Cyprus, in particular, stands out—though not in a good way. It ranked at the bottom among EU countries for energy efficiency improvements in homes, with just 5% of properties showing upgrades. Other countries with similarly low improvement rates include Malta (6.7%) and Italy (6.9%). In contrast, Estonia (47.8%), the Netherlands (45.1%), and Lithuania (32.5%) had the highest improvement rates for homes of those facing social and economic challenges.
Common Energy Efficiency Improvements Across the EU
Across the EU, residents have most commonly undertaken the following home improvements to boost energy efficiency:
It’s important to note that the energy efficiency of a home refers to how well energy is used within the household, including for heating, lighting, water supply, and ventilation. Homes built or upgraded with energy-efficient materials and technologies tend to use energy more rationally, reducing overall consumption.
For instance, if poor-quality materials are used for insulation, a house will likely lose heat more easily, leading to inefficient energy use and higher heating bills. Consequently, the energy efficiency of such homes would be considered low.
Source: stockwatch.com.cy, dom.com.cy