Brussels, 18 November 2009

“The recast agreement is excellent news for the prospects of improving the energy standards of Europe’s 190 million buildings, responsible for over 40% of all energy use”

EuroACE congratulates all those involved in the process - most especially MEPs from all political groups, led by rapporteur Silvia-Adriana Ticau, who have helped strengthen further the constructive text issued by the European Commission last November; and the Swedish Presidency to the EU who have worked so tirelessly to obtain agreement.

To have reached such a consensus on so detailed a dossier within just 12 months - during which time there have been Parliamentary elections, the end of a Commission’s mandate, and with negligible progress in the initial months - is vivid evidence of the determination of all those involved to ensure that Europe really has a new energy efficiency directive of substance. This can only strengthen the Union’s credibility for the Copenhagen climate change conference, and beyond.

Of course a directive can only be of real value, if it is implemented with purpose and in full in each Member State. That is why it is vital that the Commission carry out its’ important monitoring role with vigour, and makes any necessary recommendations to improve the directive still further, as agreed, in seven years time.

Amongst the important ways the 2002 directive has been strengthened are:

1. Removal of all 1000m² thresholds, so refurbishment requirements now cover almost all homes;

2. Mandatory requirement that refurbishment must result in installation of best rated component replacements, matching best cost-optimal contemporary standards wherever appropriate;

3. Requirements on Member States to report on the introduction of financial instruments designed to stimulate energy efficiency investments;

4. All building codes to include a critical path culminating in only “nearly zero energy buildings” being built by end of 2020 (end of 2018 for public authority buildings);

5. Energy Performance Certificates to be permanently displayed in all buildings, commercial as well as public, over 500 sq metres visited by the public (250 sq metres for public buildings in 2015);

6. Mutual recognition across the EU of training programmes and of certified installation personnel and inspectors;

7. Public sector buildings must set “leading examples”; governments must “encourage” full implementation of all energy performance certificate improvement recommendations in public sector buildings;

8. Stricter enforcement and compliance oversight;

9. Inspections to cover entire systems, not just components of a system;

10. Mandatory requirement to inform building tenants of the refurbishment improvements options, as well as the certificate rating.

Note to Editors :

The proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD recast) (COM(2008) 780) was presented as part of the Energy Efficiency Package by the European Commission in November 2008. A first reading vote in the European Parliament took place on 23 April 2009. The recast provides an opportunity to tackle existing market barriers and to set ambitious targets for upgrading the energy efficiency of Europe’s building stock.

EuroACE was formed by Europe’s leading companies involved with the manufacture, distribution and installation of energy saving goods and services. EuroACE members have a total turnover of 140 billion Euros and employ 328,000 people in Europe. The mission of EuroACE is to work together with the European institutions to help Europe move towards a more sustainable pattern of energy use in
buildings, thereby contributing to Europe’s commitments on climate change, energy security and economic growth.

EuroACE members:

• Acciona Infraestructuras

• Aereco

• Armacell International

• PU Europe

• CRH Insulation

• Danfoss A/S

• Honeywell

• Hunter Douglas

• Johnson Controls

• Kingspan Insulated Panels

• Knauf Insulation

• Paroc

• Philips Lighting

• Pilkington Group

• Rockwool International A/S

• Saint-Gobain Isover

• Skanska

• Somfy

• Tremco illbrück

• United Technologies

• URSA Insulation

• VELUX A/S

For further information:

Amanda Afifi Andrew Warren

EU Affairs Manager Senior Advisor

Tel. +32 (0) 2 639 10 10 Tel: +44 (0) 20 7359 80 00

E-mail: amanda.afifi@euroace.org Email: andrew.warren@euroace.org