Less Demolition, More Reuse – NICE Signs HouseEurope!
April 01, 2025By signing HouseEurope!, NICE advocates for a future where renovation and reuse are the standard. This means no unnecessary demolition, but rather the preservation of what is valuable – for the climate, the city, and future generations.
NICE Developers officially joined the European Citizens' Initiative campaign HouseEurope! – an ambitious movement calling for an end to the demolition culture and the acceleration of sustainable renovation and reuse of existing buildings in Europe.
HouseEurope! was launched earlier this year with the goal of collecting one million signatures within one year. This will oblige the European Commission to review outdated legislation that favors demolition over preservation.
By signing this initiative, NICE reaffirms its commitment to achieving climate goals, CO₂ reduction, and realizing affordable housing – the core values of its development vision. HouseEurope! aligns seamlessly with NICE's mission: building future-proof cities through circular timber construction, biodiversity, and social inclusion.
“The preservation and renovation of existing buildings are crucial to combat emissions and material waste. However, it is also essential for strong neighborhoods and equitable access to housing. HouseEurope! reflects our vision for sustainable, inclusive urban development.”
Co-founder of NICE, Mark Compeer
Why HouseEurope!?
The premise of HouseEurope! is clear: demolition is outdated. Buildings are currently responsible for:
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- 36% of European CO₂ emissions
- 40% of total energy consumption
- More than 35% of all waste in the EU
Nevertheless, new construction is often incentivized, while renovation is discouraged. HouseEurope! aims to change this. The initiative advocates for:
- Preservation of existing buildings, to reduce emissions and waste
- Economic incentives, such as tax benefits for renovation and reuse
- Recognition of embodied CO₂ in buildings as a valuable factor
- Affordable housing, through intelligent reuse instead of speculative demolition and new construction
- Strengthening local economies, through a labor-intensive renovation sector
- Faster achievement of European climate goals, by prioritizing reuse
Only 25% of European real estate has been renovated to date. At the current pace, we will not achieve the 2050 climate targets. HouseEurope! therefore calls on citizens, professionals, and policymakers to act now.
Sign for change!
By signing HouseEurope!, NICE joins a growing European movement for a just, sustainable, and human-centered future for the built environment.
For more information about HouseEurope!, visit the website: www.houseeurope.eu
Sign this citizens' initiative together with NICE: eci.ec.europa.eu
