Article contribution by Hansgrohe, proud sponsor of Renovate Europe Day 2025
Hansgrohe, a global leader in water- and energy efficient taps and showers, has embarked on an ambitious sustainability transition. Its biggest impact on water conservation, climate protection, and decarbonisation of the building sector will be achieved by focusing on innovative efficiency technologies for hot water use in buildings. The company aims to equip its entire portfolio of taps and showers with water- or energy-efficient technologies by 2030, taking a decisive step toward a more sustainable built environment.
Renovation as a driver of climate action and housing solutions
Buildings are the EU’s largest energy consumer, responsible for around 40% of total energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. A large part of Europe’s buildings are aging; 85% were built before 2000 and three out of four perform poorly in terms of energy efficiency.
Improving the energy performance of existing buildings is therefore key to saving energy and achieving Europe’s climate ambition whilst strengthening the continent’s strategic autonomy, boosting industry’s competitiveness, and enhancing consumers’ purchasing power. Yet, the current annual energy renovation rate remains at only 1%.
The climate crisis is the defining challenge of our time and cutting greenhouse gas emissions lies at the core of the solution. Without large-scale decarbonisation of the building stock, the energy transition and the path to climate neutrality cannot succeed.
Renovation also delivers strong social and economic benefits. Across Europe, thousands of residential buildings remain unused or in disrepair. Revitalising these spaces through sustainable renovation can create urgently needed housing in cities that are facing housing shortages. It can breathe new life into neglected neighborhoods, preserve architectural heritage, and strengthen community identity. Every renovation project represents an opportunity to improve quality of life while contributing to a more sustainable urban future.
Water is a key lever to improve energy efficiency of buildings
Water use is a powerful yet often overlooked driver of energy consumption in buildings. Water heating accounts for around 15% of residential energy use. The less water used by taps and showers, the lower the energy demand and the associated CO₂e emissions.
Water-saving technologies provide a cost-effective and impactful way to reduce the water, energy, and carbon footprint of buildings. Until 2015, the average water consumption of showers and taps respectively amounted to 15.6 liters and 10.2 liters per minute. A recent study commissioned by the German Energy Agency (dena) found that modern water-saving technologies can reduce household energy consumption by up to 6%.
At Hansgrohe, we believe that efficient taps and showers should be the standard choice for any renovation or new construction. That is why we are investing heavily to convert our entire portfolio to water- and energy-saving models by 2030. We are also developing systemic solutions, such as greywater recycling and domestic wastewater heat recovery systems, to drive holistic efficiency in buildings.
Empowering Europe’s renovation wave
The European Union can play an important role in empowering companies that lead the transition toward sustainable renovation and construction. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) provides an important framework to the decarbonisation of the building sector, but it should be implemented in a way that systematically promotes efficiency technologies while prioritising cost-effectiveness and long-term impact.
The upcoming revision of the Public Procurement Directives also presents a unique opportunity to reward sustainable choices and prioritise green innovation in public procurement. Consistency and coherence across EU initiatives such as the EU Taxonomy and the New European Bauhaus are finally essential for setting clear expectations on sustainable construction and green building certification.
A stable, forward-looking regulatory framework is key to stimulating investment and accelerating Europe’s Renovation Wave.