EuroACE Goals

The mission of EuroACE is to work together with the European institutions to help Europe move towards a more sustainable pattern of energy use in buildings, thereby contributing to the EU's commitments on carbon emission reductions, job creation and energy security.

Energy efficiency is key to delivering so many of Europe’s economic, security, energy, environmental and social policy objectives. Buildings have the biggest role to play as they consume more energy than any other sector. The realistic potential for energy savings in buildings is huge. These savings are deliverable economically. Using energy saving materials and technologies which are readily available now, most buildings could reduce their energy consumption to a fraction of current levels.

Despite energy efficiency in buildings being an obvious “win/win”, it clearly has not been happening at sufficient speed and depth to enable the EU to meet its policy objectives.

What is needed then to stimulate the market for better performing buildings?

• Political will. Improving the energy efficiency of  buildings needs to be integrated into a whole raft of policy areas. It is through political intervention that we can achieve the step change in the performance of buildings that Europe so desperately requires.
   
• Mandatory targets. History shows that vigorous action rarely takes place at Member State level unless targets are imposed. It is essential that national compulsory targets are set, specifically for the energy efficient refurbishment of buildings.
   
• Financial support. Mechanisms must be introduced to channel EU funding to the end user, and to increase the use of fiscal instruments by Member States. Research shows that well-constructed schemes to incentivise energy saving are more cost-effective to Member States than increasing energy capacity.
   
• Enforcement of legislation. Transposition of EU Directives into national law is frequently inadequate and timetables not met. Firmer scrutiny by the European Commission is needed, including sanctions. Member States likewise need to enforce their laws more rigorously, with controls and sanctions put in place.
   
• Communication, motivation and education. Building owners remain largely unaware of the potential economic benefits of improving energy efficiency. Imaginative communication strategies are needed to stimulate awareness, motivate and inform. Above all, improving buildings should be seen as a desirable and responsible thing to do.
   

EuroACE is working to ensure that full commitment is given in these areas by the EU institutions and Member States so that we can achieve the substantial improvement in the energy efficiency of our buildings that is already technically possible.