The European Commission’s consultation on the Review of progress towards the 2020 energy efficiency objective and a 2030 energy efficiency policy framework closed on 28th April 2014. Following the Commission decision to exclude energy efficiency from its climate and energy strategy for 2030, the energy efficiency industry is wondering whether this consultation is just a formality or marks the launch of new policy measures to realise the EU’s cost-effective savings potentials. Oliver Loebel, Managing Director of PU Europe commented, “Any consistent energy policy must start from minimising energy demand through increased efficiency. This is particularly true for buildings which offer a 61% cost-effective savings potential by 2030[1] - the highest of all sectors.”

 

In its response to the public consultation, PU Europe stresses the need to address building renovation in a coherent way providing a clear and ambitious long-term framework until 2050 while keeping in mind 2020 and 2030 as milestones. This is best achieved through a binding energy efficiency target for buildings. A revised EPBD should include more detailed renovation requirements. NZEB definitions

should be harmonised and Energy Performance Certificates strengthened. They should become comprehensive “building passports” and be made publically available in national registries.

Furthermore, a minimum energy rating for rented buildings should be set. The EED should extend the renovation rate of 3 % to all buildings. Supplier obligations should specifically support renovation

investments and have to be continued after 2020. “Following a request from Member States, the Commission is expected to present in June an analysis

of the EU’s energy security and proposals to improve it. If the current public consultation is a truly genuine exercise, the June paper should make the renovation of Europe’s building stock one of its top

priorities”, Loebel concluded.

 

The PU Europe reaction to the Commission consultation is available here.