Flat glass is an inert and irreplaceable material that brings natural light in buildings. Its production from energy efficient furnaces makes it a product of choice for sustainable buildings.
The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) has proven to be an effective tool in driving emissions reductions. Installations covered by the ETS reduced emissions by about 35% between 2005 and 2019.
Euractiv has organised a workshop to discuss the EU's approach towards energy efficiency in buildings.
The European Commission just launched (30 November 2016) a significant package of legislative and policy proposals on many aspects of the Energy Union. It includes proposals for changes to the energy efficiency legislation that affects buildings.
Around 40% of energy used in the EU is consumed in buildings, of which 80% is used for heating and cooling.
The European Commission is preparing a make-or- break “year of delivery” on its flagship Energy Union strategy, with a steady stream of proposals expected in 2016.
EuroACE, the European Alliance of Companies for Energy Efficiency in Buildings, represents fourteen European leading companies involved with the manufacture, the distribution and installation of a variety of energy saving goods and services. The EuroACE member companies employ over 300 000 people and have over 770 production facilities and office locations in the EU. EuroACE works together with the European institutions to help Europe move towards an efficient use of energy in buildings, thereby contributing to the EU's commitments on carbon emissions reductions, job creation and energy security.
The European Commission is on track to launch infringement procedures against member states which have not properly implement EU law about energy efficiency in buildings.
EU Commissioner responsible for jobs, growth, investment and competitiveness Jyrki Katainen said on Tuesday that the EU will not allocate specific funds from the Juncker plan to pay for renovation projects to boost the energy efficiency of buildings. Katainen added that it was up to the private sector to choose which projects get the cash.
The Energy Efficiency Communication, released by the European Commission earlier this year, proposed a new energy efficiency target of 30% for 2030, a figure that has caused some debate among stakeholders. EU Member States have already signed up to a voluntary objective of reducing the EU's primary energy use by 20% by 2020, measured against 2005 levels.
