With an estimated 85–95% of today’s buildings projected to still be standing in 2050, Europe’s existing housing stock must be at the heart of any strategy to meet the EU’s climate and energy targets and social needs. As Europe faces the dual crises of climate change and increasing cost of living, we see a widening affordable and sustainable housing gap, which brings a growing urgency to transform the way we design, finance, and regulate housing. This session tackles the urgent need for resilient, climate-adaptive, and affordable housing as a cornerstone of a just and sustainable transition. 

Bringing together policymakers, housing policy experts, and researchers, the discussion will explore how to retrofit and future-proof Europe’s homes in ways that are equitable, efficient, affordable and climate-adapted. The session will also examine how EU-level initiatives—such as the Renovation Wave, the upcoming Affordable Housing Strategy and EU budget—can be leveraged to support local action and ensure that climate resilience does not come at the cost of affordability. Join us to explore bold, integrated housing policies that can deliver lasting value for people and planet.