Press release

Luiz de Mello from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development joins

the Advisory Council of the Energy Efficient Mortgages Initiative

Brussels, 18 March 2020 – For immediate release

The Energy Efficient Mortgages Initiative (EEMI) is pleased to announce that Luiz de Mello from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has joined the Advisory Council of the Energy Efficient Mortgages Initiative.

The Advisory Council plays a key role in providing institutional support to the Initiative, as a platform for the exchange of best practices and dialogue between policymakers and stakeholders from the financing and banking communities, property and construction sectors at local, European and global levels, with the ultimate goal of achieving market development in relation to energy efficient mortgages.

As of today, 57 European lending institutions, joined by 41 supporting organisations throughout the EU, have signed up to the Pilot Scheme and have committed to testing the implementation of the final energy efficient mortgages framework into their existing product lines and processes.

The EEMI aims at delivering a mortgage financing mechanism, according to which borrowers are incentivised to improve the energy efficiency of their properties or to acquire highly energy efficient properties, by way of favourable financial conditions linked to the mortgage, for example. The Initiative will furthermore design a data collection infrastructure for energy efficient mortgages.

Luca Bertalot, Energy Efficient Mortgages Initiative Coordinator, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to the EEMI Advisory Council. With its focus on building better policies for better lives, based on prosperity, equality and opportunity and well-being for all and its 60 years’ worth of   expertise , we believe that the adhesion of this international organisation will reinforce the ability of the EEMI to give real responses at global level.’’

Luiz de Mello, Director of the Policy Studies at the Economics Department of OECD, said:

“Construction and the use of buildings are heavy energy users worldwide, underscoring the importance of energy efficiency in the housing sector, including through the development of  finance instruments. Appropriate policies in this area have much potential to improve the performance and resilience of our economies, and the well-being of our societies. I am delighted to bring the expertise and experience of the OECD and its Horizontal Project on Housing to the Advisory Board.”