The results of the European Commission's latest Internal Market Scoreboard show that the EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD - 2002/91/EC) is the worst performer in terms of transposition before the deadline date. Only one other Directive shares the title of having so many Member States - 9 - miss the transposition target! Furthermore, the energy and transport sector accounts for 11% of infringement procedures, the third worst performer after the environment and taxation and customs union sectors.
Given the energy challenges facing the EU today, this is a very sad state of affairs. According to the European Commission Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, using energy more efficiently "is by far the most effective way concurrently to improve security of energy supply, reduce carbon emissions, foster competitiveness and stimulate the development of a leading-edge market for energy-efficient technologies and products". The largest cost-effective savings potential is found in the residential (27%) and commercial (30%) buildings sector as buildings account for 40% of all energy use in Europe. The EPBD is the most important policy instrument for realising this potential.
The European Council's June 2008 call for "further efforts to increase energy efficiency and energy savings" must be followed, first and foremost, by a serious commitment from all Member States to implement the EPBD fully and immediately. EuroACE also calls on the European Commission to work to ensure that the rhetoric is matched by action on the ground.
Please find here the Scoreboard and related Press Release.
For further information:
Amanda Afifi
EU Affairs Manager - EuroACE
Tel. +32 (0) 2 639 10 10
E-mail:amanda.afifi@euroace.org
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