The European Commission will put forward its updated vision for energy efficiency, by reviewing the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) and the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). This represents a unique opportunity for the European Union to live up its commitments taken during COP21. The European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE) is therefore calling the EU to seize this opportunity and to put buildings at the center of the EU’s energy efficiency strategy, in order to deliver on its energy and climate objectives.

When reviewing the EPBD, EU-ASE is asking EU decision makers to consider the following 5 key elements:

1. Support an ambitious revision
2. Focus on existing buildings
3. Develop a 2050 vision to boost investments
4. Improve Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

5. Enhance EU’s technology leadership

The 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) (2012/27/EU) is the EU’s flagship legislation to achieve the 2020 energy efficiency target and prepare the ground for energy efficiency improvements beyond 2020. It sets a framework for EU and national energy efficiency policies and measures. Article 7 is the cornerstone article of the Directive and obliges Member States to deliver new end-use energy savings every year equivalent to 1.5% of average annual sales to final customers. Member States can achieve that by putting in place various measures, allowing flexibility for national differences. Energy Efficiency Obligation schemes are encouraged amongst other possible “alternative measures” including energy efficiency funds, energy taxes, financing schemes, fiscal incentives, and training or education programs.

Build a solid case to illustrate that existing policy could be more effective and push for an ambitious Energy Union Increasing political commitment to #EfficiencyFirst Increased visibility of the EU ASE “brand”.