(BRUSSELS) - The European Commission on Thursday launched court proceedings against Britain and Belgium for failing to provide proof they are complying with minimum energy standards for buildings.

"Belgium and the UK have failed to provide information to demonstrate convincingly that they have fully implemented the necessary measures," the EU's executive arm said in a statement, following requests in October and earlier this month for information on the matter.

All EU member states are required to notify the commission of their compliance with the bloc's 2002 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, aimed at reducing energy consumption in buildings.

In particular, the commission has sought information from Britain about how the rules are being applied in Gibraltar and Northern Ireland.

EU rules require member states to establish minimum energy performance standards for buildings and to ensure that heating and air conditioning installations are regularly inspected.

The apparent failure by Britain and Belgium to do so will now be considered in the European courts.

The building sector is responsible for 40 percent of Europe's total energy consumption, according to the European Commission.

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