“We are at a defining moment and at the beginning of the decade of climate action, the European Green Deal must be a key driver towards increased ambition by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. In this perspective, we believe that increased legally binding energy efficiency and renewables targets and measures would mutually reinforce each other and deliver the GHG emissions reductions urgently required to meet the Paris Agreement objectives.
We are delighted to join forces with industry, civil society, cities, professionals, and workers. In the months to come, we look forward to work with the European Institutions to operationalize the energy efficiency first principle in every energy infrastructure investment decision and launch an integrated renovation plan to make all European homes highly efficient, smart and powered with renewable sources”

Monica Frassoni, President, European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE)

“The future ahead of us is a transition towards a climate neutral economy. Yesterday, the European Council missed the opportunity to sign off an EU climate neutrality commitment by 2050 despite a large majority of 24 Member States now backing net-zero emissions by 2050. We should build on this group of progressive countries and convince the remaining Member States that the transition is the best economic choice for Europe, whereas the cost of inaction would be unbearably high. Moving forward, we must link the climate neutrality commitment more closely to the EU budget discussion, so that we prioritize investments in energy efficiency to halve the demand of energy in the EU by 2050, and move towards 100% renewable energy generation. The EU budget is the most suitable collective tool to make this long-term transformation happen. In a just and ordered transition that leaves no-one behind in the shift to a zero-emission society, EU public resources will attract the necessary private investments to make the European economy more innovative and competitive.”

 

Monica Frassoni, President, European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE)

According to a study carried out by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), it is projected that by 2050 there will be around 40 million jobs directly related to renewable energy and energye fficiency worldwide. Women comprise half the world’s population and half of the workforce, hence their full inclusion is vital to ensuring that the new energy economy is based on the largest pool of talent, knowledge and skills.

On 8 March 2019, International Women’s Day, EU-ASE wants to celebrate the powerful, capable women that make sure every day that the energy efficiency voice is heard across all sectors of the European Union. We want to recognise them, their achievements and their leadership. And to remind the energy community that, without their work, progressive climate and energy advancements would not be possible.

“There’s no talking about future without progressive climate policies, same as there’s no talking about future without women.”

Monica Frassoni, EU-ASE President

Happy International Women’s Day!