EU at COP 28 side events

Extreme weather is becoming more common as impacts lead to an increase in the frequency of climate crises. To continue progress in addressing this issue, the European Commission will join the 28th edition of the UN Climate Change Conference, COP28. On 4 and 6 December, the Directorate for Internal Market, Entrepreneurship and SMEs will host two online side-events and co-host one hybrid side-event as part of COP28.

The three side events will expound on InvestEU funding options towards net-zero industry, local green deals, and decarbonising the built environment.

InvestEU programme contributing to EU Net-Zero Industry investments

The side event highlights InvestEU programme financial products that align with the goals of the Net-Zero Act. It will showcase how InvestEU encourages investment and attracts additional public and private capital to advance these objectives.

Text version

Wednesday 4 December 2023, 16:30 – 17:30 (CET)
Online

• Register for the InvestEU funding for Net-Zero event
• Net-Zero Industry Act webpage
• InvestEU website

Local Green Deals: implementing the Green Deal Industrial Plan at local level

The side event will showcase real-world applications of Local Green Deals through collaborations between local businesses, industry, social economy actors, and civil society organisations within specific ecosystems. It will provide examples of key outcomes and benefits for cities and their stakeholders (e.g., energy savings, mobilised funding, job creation, etc.). The event will delve into which investments and governance structures Local Green Deals require. Through case studies, it will illustrate how to drive transformative actions by leveraging a combination of public and private financial mechanisms to foster sustainable growth.

Text version

Wednesday 6 December 2023, 15:00 – 16:00 (CET)
Online

• Register for the Local Green Deals event 
• Local Green Deals webpage

The science behind the decarbonisation of the built environment

Co-organised with the Joint Research Centre and the Directorate-General for Environment.

The IPCC identifies key stages for advancing climate mitigation in buildings, from design to disposal, with sufficiency measures curbing energy and material demand. The European Green Deal emphasises decarbonising buildings, with policy proposals like EPBD and CPR revisions. Renovating buildings is a major challenge in Europe. District-level action addresses barriers effectively. A holistic approach is vital for the complex challenges of the built environment in achieving a climate-neutral future. Social and environmental goals align through participatory and justice-aware interventions. The session will discuss European policies on buildings and climate mitigation, exploring implications for the built environment and society.

Text version

Wednesday 6 December 2022, 16:30 – 17:30 (CET)
Live from Brussels

• Register for the science behind Built Environment Decarbonisation event
• Construction Products Regulation webpage
• Energy Performance of Buildings Directive webpage