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.
Arianna Vitali Roscini, WWF’s Policy Officer
for energy conservation in buildings
WWF European Policy Office
+ More
WWF’s statement on the
EU Commission communication on “adapting
to climate change”
01 Apr 2009 - Brussels,
Belgium - The European Commission painted
a grim picture of extreme climate impacts
in Europe in the communication on “adapting
to climate change” presented today.
“The consequences of
climate change are expected to be more substantial
than expected and will occur regardless
of the mitigation measures that are implemented”
warns the Commission. But the official response
is woefully timid.
The European Commission
has identified vulnerable regions - Southern
Europe and the Mediterranean basin for increasing
droughts, the Alps and other mountain areas
for melting of glaciers, coastal areas where
50% of Europe’s population lives facing
the danger of sea level rise, densely populated
flood plains exposed to floods and threats
to nature everywhere on land and at sea.
In terms of economic
sectors, agriculture, tourism, fisheries,
forests, and road and rail infrastructures
will be particularly affected. Despite that,
most of the proposed actions in the next
three years are limited to preparation of
guidelines, exploration of potential new
policies and assessment of needs.
“The Commission is baulking
at taking real action” said Tony Long. “We
are particularly concerned for a potential
water crisis across Europe, whereby southern
countries will suffer from reduced supplies
and other regions will face increased extreme
weather events and floods. Why isn’t action
taken now, how much longer do we have to
wait?” said Tony Long, Director of WWF’s
European Policy Office.
WWF looks to the European
Economic Recovery Plan announced last November
as an appropriate way to take immediate
action. But today’s paper barely mentions
these opportunities.
“Billions of euros will
be spent on infrastructures. It is vital
that these investments are resilient to
climate change starting now and not in 3-4
years time,” added Tony Long.
For further information:
Claudia Delpero, Communications Manager
at WWF European Policy Office
