— last modified 28 November 2017
EuroACE welcomes the strong position of the Industry and Energy Committee of the European Parliament (ITRE) in favour of a binding 40% energy efficiency target for 2030, with the adoption of the Report on the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED).
It demonstrates the Parliament’s support for continuing successful energy efficiency policies and programmes after 2020. A strong signal ahead of negotiations with a feet-dragging Council, which is reluctant to commit to any target, even if energy efficiency actions, especially in buildings, are a true engine for jobs and growth.
This morning, ITRE MEPs showed their support for the future of strong and consistent energy efficiency policies, by voting in favour of the EED Report with 33 votes in favour.
“It is reassuring to see the ITRE MEPs committed to a binding 40% energy efficiency target for 2030, as well as binding national targets in that matter”, commented Adrian JOYCE, Secretary General of EuroACE, the European Alliance of Companies for Energy Efficiency in Buildings. EuroACE members employ over 280,000 persons in Europe in the manufacture, distribution, and installation of energy efficient products, equipment and services in buildings. A 40% binding energy efficiency target for 2030, coupled with strong national renovation strategies, would truly bring out the cost-effective potentials in buildings and other key sectors of the European economy, as shown by the European Commission.
The ITRE position also intends to strengthen the annual 1.5% savings obligation in Article 7, which is crucial for the buildings sector. Loopholes would be eliminated, while keeping sufficient flexibility for Member States to implement those provisions in a way that is most suited to their national circumstances. “This will give sufficient predictability and confidence to investors and to industry to plan their investments in Europe, especially for upgrading our buildings, which are key assets for citizens”, Adrian JOYCE added.
EuroACE also welcomes the ITRE vote, as the Parliament will soon enter negotiations with the Council, after the Plenary vote. “Last June, the Council adopted a weak General Agreement, although several Member States, led by France and Germany, spoke up in favour of keeping ambition”, said Céline CARRE, EuroACE President. “We call on the Parliament to keep the same level of ambition in the Plenary vote, so as to kick start interinstitutional discussions on the right basis, as adopted today in the ITRE committee, as energy efficiency is an engine for jobs and growth”, she added.
