9 February 2010: Wide Stakeholder Coalition calls for focus on Energy Efficiency (10.02.2010)

Ahead of the European Summit, businesses organisations, NGO's and MEP’s call on EU Heads of State to put the spotlight on energy efficiency.

Background

Ahead of the European Summit on 11 February, an unprecedented coalition of European businesses organisations, NGOs and parliamentarians are calling on EU Heads of State to make energy efficiency the first order priority for the EU’s economic recovery and new ‘EU2020’ strategy.

On behalf of PU Europe, one of the signatories, Oliver Loebel commented, “It is unacceptable to see that the EU will allocate billions of ETS money in carbon capture and sequestration whilst available technologies with a proven return on investment and a significant CO2 savings potential are left aside. The focus should be clearly placed on avoiding CO2 emissions in the first place. It is well known the buildings offer the highest cost-effective savings potential.”

The signatories stress the potential of energy efficiency measures in terms of job creation, lower energy price volatility, innovation as well as reduced energy bills and fuel poverty. However, these results will not be achieved without a clear commitment and focus from the highest levels of EU policy-making, which must recognise the centrality of this issue to strategic economic development over the next ten years.

Looking at buildings, efforts must be stepped up to implement the EPBD at national level, revise the energy services and energy end-use efficiency directive and prepare a truly ambitious European Energy Efficiency Action Plan.

“Given the fact that 80% of the buildings will still be standing in 2050, increasing refurbishment rates is of the utmost importance. This requires tailor-made upfront financing solutions. The EU cannot replace but must complement national financial support measures.”, concluded Loebel.

The letter is available here.

Our partners