Brussels, 29th October 2017 – Yesterday the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) voted in favour of a 40% binding headline target on energy efficiency with the adoption of the report on the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). The European Builders Confederation (EBC) as the representative of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises welcomes this ambitious goal, because it shows a clear commitment and a path for the investment needs. However, most important are the proper means to reach this target, especially in the building sector which is responsible for about 40% of final energy consumption in the EU. Hence the availability and easy accessibility of sufficient financial incentives is a central point to enable people to cover the costs of renovation works.
More ambitious refurbishment of public buildings
EBC endorses the broad support by ITRE members to enhance article 5 that sets a 3% refurbishment target for public buildings. With the inclusion of all public authority buildings on the national, regional and local level, irrespective their size, the article encourages ambitious refurbishments of public buildings and offers the potential to further drive the demand for energy efficiency renovation in the private stock.
Prolongation of annual 1.5% savings obligation in article 7
EBC welcomes the continuation of the annual 1.5% savings obligation until 2030 and possibly beyond this date. Energy savings obligation in the form of energy efficiency obligations and alternative policy measures are essential. They support partnerships with construction SME and property owner associations to enhance financing of energy efficiency renovation of the private stock. Furthermore energy savings obligation can contribute to the up-skilling of workers.
As a next step, the file will be voted upon in the plenary of the European Parliament before the start of trilogue negotiations under the Bulgarian presidency of the Council of the EU.
More information on our webpage about energy efficiency legislation
More information on the European Parliament’s website