Energy efficiency

The European Parliament today adopted the final legislative compromise on revised EU rules for the energy efficiency of buildings (1). Commenting on the outcome, Claude Turmes MEP, Greens/EFA energy spokesman said:

"Today's vote on revised EU rules for the energy performance of buildings represents a major step forward but is only a job half-done for this crucial sector. The new EU rules will ensure only the most energy-efficient buildings – 'near zero energy buildings' – can be built in the future. However, the legislation fails to properly address the energy use of existing buildings and the EU must now focus on measures to improve the energy efficiency of, thereby reducing emissions from, this sector.

"The European Commission has outlined the massive potential for reducing the profligate energy consumption of Europe's existing buildings. More must be done to support and promote the renovation of buildings to make them more energy efficient. Investing in building renovation is a win-win scenario, creating jobs in Europe's largest employing sector, reducing energy bills and improving our energy security. With buildings accounting for 36% of the EU's greenhouse gases, improving their energy efficiency is also crucial for meeting the EU's climate change goals.

"The Commission should present an 'EU buildings strategy' before the end of the year, which should form part of the upcoming EU energy efficiency action plan. This strategy should focus on supporting national governments to implement the new EU rules. However, it should also focus on creating financial instruments to ease the access to credit for large scale building renovations and to stimulate R&D for cost-efficient zero energy buildings both new and existing. EU social partners should also be encouraged to improve productivity and working conditions in the building sector".

Note to editors:

1) "The energy performance of buildings" (recast), Recommendation for second reading: Silvia-Adriana ?ic?u