Enigin Update - Euro Battle over Energy Efficiency Directive
THE targets suggested in the EU’s draft energy efficiency directive are being challenged by member states, with the UK and the Netherlands calling for some provisions to be deleted entirely.
EurActiv.com reports that one headline figure in the original directive, a mandatory annual 3 percent public buildings energy efficiency renovation rate, has been scheduled for deletion in the latest EU draft.
One diplomat involved in the discussions told EurActiv that the amendment had been made because of “the current budgetary restraints of member states.”
“Because of these, there are many questions by member states about what the implication of this specific provision would be,” the diplomat said. “There are many different views in play on how this could be changed.”
Europe’s buildings account for 40 percent of the regions's primary energy consumption and 36 percent of the CO2 emissions, but only public buildings were included in the original directive with opt-outs for properties under 250 square meters, such as post offices, which are significant because publicly owned properties represent 12 percent of Europe’s total housing stock.
The revision document proposes that this opt-out be extended to buildings under 500 square meters.
Friends of the Earth spokesman Brook Riley told EurActiv, “It’s a very concerted and well organised attempt not to save energy. The revised document is so full of loopholes that there is very little substance or structure left to it.”
Energy efficiency offers excellent long-term returns, but EU states expressed concerns about the original directive’s potential short-term costs.
EurActiv.com reported that the UK had complained that the original building renovation proposals were “likely to result in considerable extra expenditure for member states on works which are not always cost-effective.”
The Netherlands even proposed a “deletion” of the directive’s flagship 1.5 percent savings target for energy companies, stating: “The Netherlands is not in favour of an obligatory target set by the EU. Member states should be able to decide for themselves on the level of energy efficiency measures needed.”
Riley added his concerns, “They had already gutted the directive compared to what their own impact assessment said was needed and now the Council is weakening it further.”
The revised document is expected to form the basis of a progress or status report that will be presented to EU energy ministers on 24 November.
EU sources told EurActiv that the Danish presidency, due next, would see it as “most important” that the efficiency directive was in keeping with the “ambitious” targets set out in the 2050 Low Carbon Roadmap.
“If you weaken some elements, you have to strengthen others,” one diplomat noted wryly.
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Picture of European Parliament by Steve Cadman reproduced under CCL.
