The third edition of the Franco-German Energy Efficiency Business Forum, co-organized by EU-ASE, DENEFF and OFATE, took place on 8th November at the Ministry for Ecological Transition in Paris.

The event gathered a cross-sectoral group of businesses and Government representatives from France and Germany to discuss how accelerating energy efficiency through financing, decentralisation and digitalisation. The event was an opportunity to highlight the importance of Franco-German cooperation for both greater ambition in the implementation of the existing energy efficiency regulatory framework and for the European Green Deal.
The event stressed out that energy efficiency is a growth agenda and key enabler for decarbonizing the economy for France, Germany, and the European Union.

The forum attracted more than 50 high level participants. Please see the final agenda here.

In a joint statement following the event, Harry Verhaar, chairman of the European Alliance to Save Energy, said “Policy choices made by governments will determine the shape of the energy system of the future. If we want to achieve a climate neutral economy by 2050, we need to put the energy efficiency first principle at the heart of the transition. Changing how we construct, light, heat and cool our buildings will trigger positive change in many sectors, including energy and heavy industry, but also in sectors which at first sight may seem less connected, such as health and education. In the decade of climate action, the Franco-German partnership could lead by example, starting by committing to make all of their buildings net-zero by 2030 at the latest.” 

Read the full joint statement here.

Download Brian Motherway’s IEA presentation here. 

The clean energy transition is taking on a new dynamic in Europe and worldwide. The “Energy efficiency first” principle and renewables are at the center of this transformation process. This requires strong implementation of existing policies, and new legislative measures to align with the increased ambition as proposed by the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

This interactive seminar brought together stakeholders, NGOs, Commission officers, MEPs and staff to examine the achievements of the last mandate, implications for implementation and monitoring and next steps.
The energy transition must create opportunities for sustainable growth and jobs, a Just Transition for workers and communities, increase the competitiveness of European businesses and deliver tangible and sustainable benefits for all citizens and our environment.

The seminar was organised at the European Parliament, in collaboration between MEPs Theresa Griffin (S&D, UK), Seán Kelly (EPP, Ireland) and the European Alliance to Save Energy.

The presentations given during the event are available here:

Existing Legislation (RES), Paula Abreu Marques

Existing Legislation (EE), Claudia Canevari

Energy Efficiency First Principle and National Energy and Climate Plans, Katarzyna Wardal

Smart Buildings for efficiency, sustainability and comfort, Elisa Gastaldi

Investing in energy efficiency to eradicate energy poverty, Adele Naudy-Chambaud

Integrating supermarkets into the energy system and the water-energy nexus, Julie Kjestrup

A comfortable and effective learning environment starts with energy efficiency, Celine Carré