Two environmental organisations are calling on the government to make it easier to renovate and repurpose vacant buildings, arguing that doing so is essential for both climate protection and relieving pressure on the housing market.
On Tuesday, the Ecological Movement (Mouveco) and Oekozenter Pfaffenthal held a joint press conference to unveil a nine-point plan aimed at boosting renovation rates across the country. Their proposals centre on the estimated 5-10% of buildings in Luxembourg that currently stand empty.
According to the two organisations, the renovation, energetic refurbishment, and subsequent use of these vacant structures represent a key element of resource and climate protection. They further argue that such measures could make a significant contribution to addressing the housing shortage.
To achieve this, Mouveco and Oekozenter Pfaffenthal are calling for the creation of a new building code that aligns with national climate targets and clearly distinguishes between new constructions and conversion projects. They also stress the importance of increasing the density of the existing housing stock.
Among their key demands is the simplification of energy refurbishment procedures. They propose adapting the stipulations defined by General Development Plans (PAG) and Special Development Plans (PAP) – for instance, by revising the rules that regulate the distance to neighbouring buildings during insulation works.
