European Parliament reminds urgency to take action on buildings and incentivise renovation of the poorly insulated buildings stock in the EU
Date
27 Jun 2016
Sections
Energy
Innovation & Enterprise
Sustainable Dev.
Climate & Environment
Files
Yesterday 23 June, the European Parliament adopted the Energy Efficency Directive Implementation report and sent a loud and clear message about key role of buildings for the economy, society and future energy system. The Parliament called for an EU wide vision to deliver a ’nearly zero energy (NZEB)’ building stock by 2050 – and - underlined the need for an improvement to our building stock through a long-term strategy for reduction of energy demand and reiterating the 40% binding energy efficiency target.
”Next to confirming support for a 40% energy efficiency target, the Plenary vote is a loud and clear message that the energy renovation of our buildings is not only the most cost-effective route for CO2mitigation, but also the route which yields the most comfort, health and energy sucrity benefits - its time for action. ”Said Jan te Bos, Director General Eurima.
The European Parliament Energy Efficiciency Directive Implementation report was adopted in Plenary by 253 for, 193 against and 46 abstentions.
MEPs called for a better deal for consumers through EU investment in information, support programmes in Member States and promotion of new technological developments such as
insulation. They added that consumers should play a more active role in achieving the energy efficiency targets e.g. refurbishing buildings, and making the enery renovation of building a priority to help the energy poor.
Ahead of the deadline for the second version of the long term renovation strategies (30 April 2017), Parliament reminded that these should play a bigger role and lead to concrete new policy and financing measures. As for public buildings, which should be exemplary and leading, the Article 5, (3% renovation target for centrally owned government buildings) is to be extended to cover all public bodies where possible.
”Making the role of buildings a political and economic priority is the only way to realistially achieve our COP21 ambitions and remain competitive. I am delighted to see the outcomes of today’s vote including the call for a clear vision: NZEB level building stock by 2050. This is not only an important signal towards the European Commission as they prepare the energy efficiency package but also a leap forward in our climate journey.” Concluded Pascal Eveillard, President of Eurima.
ENDS