Brussels, Belgium - The European Parliament industry committee today voted on a directive that should promote energy savings in buildings, by improving energy performance in existing buildings and setting more stringent standards for new constructions.

While broadly welcoming the approach, WWF criticizes the delay of the entry into force of new buildings’ standards - to the end of 2018 instead of 2015.

“The lack of urgency shown by the Parliament committee is extremely disappointing,” said Arianna Vitali Roscini, WWF’s Policy Officer for energy conservation in buildings.

“European politicians have failed again to acknowledge massive economic and environmental potential offered by energy efficiency and new buildings will continue to waste energy for at least another ten years.”

The directive on energy efficiency in buildings alone could potentially deliver almost twice of the CO2 emissions reductions of the Effort Sharing Directive by 2020. Buildings absorb 40% of all the energy used in Europe and cause 36% of European greenhouse gases. A strong directive could lead to a cut of 460 million tonnes of CO2 per year thanks to better insulation, improved heating and cooling systems, double glazing, efficient lighting and use of smart meters.

The European Economic Recovery Plan also recognises that smart investments in energy efficiency, and specifically in energy efficiency in buildings, will result in jobs creation.

“It is essential that new measures are put in place as soon as possible to maximize the energy efficiency potential to achieve EU’s 2020 climate targets, promote job creation, reduce the energy bill and improve energy security in Europe. ” adds Arianna Vitali.

In 2008 the European Commission presented a proposal to revise the existing directive to minimise the use of energy in buildings. After today’s vote in the EU Parliament industry committee, the bill will be examined by the Parliament in May, in its last plenary session before elections, and by the Council of Ministers.

For further information:
Arianna Vitali Roscini, WWF’s Policy Officer for energy conservation in buildings
WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 743 88 16
E-mail: avitali@wwfepo.org

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