Priority to Energy Efficiency!

When the drums of war beat and we have no direct role to play other than supporting those who fight for peace and freedom, it remains essential to continue doing what is right and necessary. As in the famous fable of the hummingbird who, with just a few drops of water in its beak, tries to extinguish a fire: small but determined, because it is “doing its part”.

Despite occasional discouragement in front of the tendency to relegate the ecological transition to a secondary issue, it is imperative that we continue to defend the Green Deal and reposition it as a central topic in public debate. This approach stands in stark contrast to the culture of war.

 

Among these solutions, one in particular continues to be underestimated: the drastic and possible reduction of energy demand. It is a powerful lever, decisive also in countering an increasingly widespread ideological narrative: that of so-called “technological neutrality”. In practice, this concept often becomes an excuse to indiscriminately support all energy production technologies, irrespective of their concrete operativity, from “clean” gas to expensive, imaginary and distant technologies such as “clean” nuclear power or carbon capture. This approach has a specific effect: it deflects the urgency of cutting emissions immediately, diverts resources and priorities away from renewables and energy efficiency, and condemns us to an endless transition, while continuing to happily depend on gas.

It is a perverse logic that keeps some governments and unfortunately also part of the industrial world – behind on renewables, uninterested in energy efficiency and all too vocal on nuclear power.

Yet the data speaks for itself. Without the efficiency measures already in place, the EU’s energy consumption would be 27% higher today, equivalent to the combined consumption of France, Germany and Finland. And if we fully achieve the targets set, we could save €33 billion a year in energy imports by 2030, rising to over €70 billion by 2040.

Every percentage point of improvement in energy efficiency equates to a 2.6% cut in gas imports. And, crucially after events such as the blackout in Spain, managing electricity consumption more flexibly, avoiding peaks, could reduce the investment needed in networks by 35%. That is no small thing.

It is precisely to put this often overlooked issue back at the centre of the agenda that on 12 and 13 June, the International Energy Agency, together with the EU Commission and a group of multinationals united in the EE Movement, organised the tenth edition of the Global Energy Efficiency Conference. This is a high-level annual event, which this year brought together over 700 participants from around 100 countries.

The focus of the 2025 edition was the preparation of COP30 in Belém and the translation into concrete actions of the commitments made in Dubai during COP28: the start of the phase-out of fossil fuels, the doubling of the annual rate of improvement in energy efficiency (from 2% to 4%) and the tripling of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030. At a time when the European Green Deal is under pressure and the Commission is tempted to reopen – under the pretext of simplification – regulations that have already been approved, the decision to hold the conference in Brussels took on significant political value.

It has brought back into the spotlight a fundamental issue that is often sacrificed in favour of more “glamorous” discussions, such as those on gas or nuclear power, and has provided an opportunity to share solutions that are already available and, in many cases, are just waiting to be implemented on a large scale.

The event also showed that, at global level, a significant number of governments, businesses and social actors are pushing hard for energy consumption reduction, recognising it as a crucial component of the transition and a guarantee of energy independence and security. Private meetings between CEOs and ministers, working sessions organised by technical bodies such as the ECEEE, and strategic discussions on the role of industrial parks and smart grids enriched the debate, culminating in an official commitment by 47 countries to consider energy efficiency a political priority in all sectors.

As for the European Union, Commissioner Dan Jørgensen took the opportunity to launch a ten-point action plan to “give new impetus” to energy efficiency. The measures announced include greater support for Member States in implementing directives on efficiency, ecodesign and the energy performance of buildings, the inclusion of specific provisions on efficiency in the new legislative package on networks and electrification, instruments to facilitate investment in the transport, construction and industrial processes sectors, and the introduction of guarantee schemes for small and medium-sized enterprises. Finally, the promise to present a legislative package dedicated to the energy efficiency of data centres by early 2026 is particularly significant.

However, alongside the enthusiasm expressed by Commissioner Jørgensen, who has always been personally committed to this issue, there remain serious concerns about the EU’s action. According to the recently published report on the state of implementation of the National Energy and Climate Plans, the commitments made by governments indicate that the EU is on track with regard to renewables and emissions reduction, but energy efficiency remains dramatically behind: compared to a European target of an 11.7% reduction in final consumption by 2030 compared to the baseline scenario, the measures currently envisaged in the national plans would lead to an improvement of only 8%.

It should be noted that the 11.7% target set in the 2023 European Energy Efficiency Directive corresponds to a final energy consumption of 763 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) and a primary consumption of 992.5 Mtoe, with a reduction from previous levels equivalent, in practice, to the annual energy consumption of a country such as Spain.

Despite these undeniable figures, many Member States remain reluctant to allocate adequate resources, particularly in the building and transport sectors. Utilities are also far from enthusiastic about the new demand reduction obligations contained in the efficiency directive. Furthermore, the EU executive has not shelved the idea of simplifying – i.e. weakening – some of the regulations in the Fit for 55 package. Only joint action by businesses and NGOs has so far prevented the reopening of the directives on energy efficiency and energy performance of buildings. However, pressure from the more conservative industrial world and political forces opposed to the transition shows no sign of abating.

Finally, in the delicate discussions that have been going on for months on the revision of the Climate Law, aimed at defining new interim targets for 2040, it is the European Commission itself that seems not to envisage any specific targets for energy efficiency, which would risk making the 2030 target less binding. This is a perplexing choice, justified by some with the widespread but unfounded argument that reducing energy demand would slow economic growth. Yet the data show exactly the opposite: while EU emissions have fallen by 37% since 1990, GDP has grown by 68% over the same period. This is a clear sign that reducing energy consumption is not only compatible with development but can actually be one of its main drivers, activating technological supply chains, generating employment and increasing competitiveness. In short, reducing energy demand in homes, industry and transport today means boosting economic activity, not depressing it.

In this context, the event organised by the IEA offered an encouraging sign: the clearest and most resolute voices came from businesses themselves. In particular, Anne-Laure de Chammard, executive vice president of Siemens, forcefully summarised a message that we fully share: businesses have a direct responsibility to push for the consistent application of regulations that have already been approved, without reopening or dismantling what has been painstakingly built; and it is precisely businesses that need to provide more explicit examples, highlighting the concrete benefits of energy efficiency: competitiveness, innovation and resilience. Rather than reopening or dismantling, what is needed today is a strong awareness-raising campaign to make the concrete, tangible and accessible results that energy efficiency can offer visible to the public and governments: a positive, clear and, in some ways, unusual message. This is especially true for those of us in Italy who are used to hearing only complaints and calls to scale back the Green Deal from institutional representatives of much of the business community.

Monica Frassoni
President, EU-ASE
Brussels, 16 June 2025

Article published on GreenReport: https://www.greenreport.it/editoriale/56263-priorita-allefficienza-energetica-il-green-deal-contro-la-cultura-della-guerra

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It takes two to tango

As Bertrand Piccard aptly put it during the last Energy Efficiency Day, “Energy efficiency and renewables are the two legs on which we must walk to achieve a sustainable future.” This dual approach is essential for the EU’s energy and climate policy, perfectly aligning with the European Alliance to Save Energy’s (EU-ASE) advocacy for a sustainable, energy-efficient Europe.

According to the latest International Energy Agency (IEA) report, global electricity demand surged by 4.3% in 2024, driven by record temperatures, electrification, and digitalisation. This increase highlights the urgent need for enhanced energy efficiency and a robust expansion of renewable energy sources to meet growing demands sustainably.

Energy efficiency plays a crucial role in mitigating energy consumption and reducing emissions. By using less energy to perform the same tasks, we can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions from both direct fossil fuel combustion and indirect electricity generation. Investments in energy-efficient technologies can lower operational costs for businesses, making them more competitive in the global market. For households, energy efficiency means lower utility bills and improved comfort.

On a broader scale, energy efficiency can stimulate economic growth by creating jobs in the energy sector and related industries. Key events like the 10th International Energy Agency Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Brussels this June and the Summit on the Future of Energy Security hosted by the UK government in London at the end of April can offer a great platform to elaborate the new energy efficiency objectives.

The importance of a continuous and structured dialogue between European and national institutions with business leaders cannot be overstated. The energy efficiency industrial ecosystem significantly contributes to the European economy, with notable impacts on annual turnover, employment, and patent ownership. This ongoing communication is crucial for aligning policies, sharing best practices, unlock financial resources and fostering innovation.

 

Mario Giordano
Head of Global Public and Government Affairs  
Signify

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Energy efficient buildings: a game-changer for energy system efficiency

The 2019-2024 European climate and energy package sets a roadmap for various sectors to achieve decarbonization and meet climate goals. To ensure its success, it must be implemented effectively. Dan Jørgensen, the new European Commissioner for Housing and Energy, highlights that housing and energy are interlinked themes that must be addressed together. The recipe for a successful European climate and energy transition requires affordable, growth-orientated, and secured energy sources as main ingredients.

As Europe moves towards a highly electrified and renewable energy system, the role of buildings in managing energy demand is more critical than ever. Buildings are responsible for 40% of the EU’s energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings hold the key to mitigating peak energy demand—the periods of highest consumption. Europe must strategically address these forthcoming peaks to avoid high energy prices, grid congestion, and keeping us locked in a fossil fuel world.

Renovating buildings by implementing energy efficiency measures is a solution to address these risks. Through widespread (i.e., >2% renovation rate) energy efficiency renovations and flexibility improvements in buildings, the European Union can reduce peak demand by 49%, saving €312 billion annually across the energy system. This has the power to lower the investment needed for grid expansion by up to €44.2 billion annually, optimizing Europe’s distribution grids.

Moreover, energy-efficient renovation of the European Union building stock increases the equality in electricity prices between countries, promoting a more balanced energy market across regions, and across Europe for all citizens. Lower energy costs directly benefit end users, resulting in significant reductions in electricity bills for European households and enabling European industries to decarbonize their production processes at more competitive energy costs.

Energy-efficient buildings are therefore central to implementing a system efficiency approach. Breaking down silos and fostering collaborations across the energy sector are crucial to success. By placing energy efficiency at the heart of the energy system and focusing on improving the efficiency of buildings, Europe can achieve multiple objectives: lowering energy costs, stabilizing the grid, and enhancing the affordability and competitiveness of its energy system. By making all technologies work hand in hand, we can make the best of the available resources to ensure that tomorrow has a home for all of us.

 

Quentin Galland-Jarrett
Group Public & Regulatory Affairs Director 
Knauf Insulation

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Towards EU Water Resilience Strategy: key priorities to be addressed

The critical importance of water is gaining recognition at the EU level. The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen included this vital topic in her Political Guidelines for 2024-2029 and water was also featured in the Mission Letter of the Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy.

As the EU Institutions begin to develop a European Water Resilience Strategy, they should take the below points into consideration. They are inspired from the energy sector. While water and energy are very different, some elements from existing EU energy policy can serve as food for thoughts.

1. Water Efficiency

A Water Efficiency First Principle should be developed (following the model of the Energy Efficiency First Principle) and enshrined in law. The principle should be supported by guidelines for its implementation across the whole water cycle.

Accompanying water efficiency standards should be developed either per sector or for key water intensive industries – the best approach should be defined through consultations and expert discussions.

2. Risk Preparedness Plans for Water

In the electricity sector, each Member State has developed comprehensive national risk preparedness plans based on local situations, risks, and how to address them proactively. Developing similar national risk preparedness and resilience plans for water by each Member State will be instrumental in managing current and future water-related risks.

3. Financing

A total of €255bn needs to be invested in the EU water supply and sanitation sector by 2030 to comply with EU legislation and for some climate mitigation measures.

In the next EU Multi-annual Financial Framework for 2028-2034 we need cross-cutting funds from existing funding streams to be grouped around the strategic priority of water, following the RePower EU model. These funds should be available to all EU Member States, to both public and private actors including municipalities, industry and buildings.

 

Tania Pentcheva
Director Europe Government and Industry Relations 
Xylem

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Mission efficiency : Games are opening, let’s perform, now !

Writing this note on my way back from the first European Parliament plenary session, I can’t help but draw a parallel with the 2024 Olympics game opening soon in Paris.

I always thought of our Energy Efficiency game as a marathon, including trainings and a solid “never-give-up” mindset, whatever the political winds. We first succeeded in the initiatory 2012 EED negotiations and we made it in the 2030 climate & energy package. Things then got more serious and we managed to take our medals from the Fit for 55 real marathon. We even secured that everyone would start exercising with mainstreaming our Energy Efficiency First principle into the broader policy spectrum.

So, what are we up to at the start of the 2024-29 mandate ?  

First, time to perform! And our performance – called implementation in the EU jargon – is about delivering more savings and valorising the genuine value of energy efficiency. It is not just about running and being resilient, efficiency will help with changing cycling gears in the energy transition towards 2040, and be faster at integrating renewables in the grid. It is empowering our industry to swim better in the global competitiveness race. In fact, energy efficiency looks more like a triathlon game.

Second, our Efficiency Club should get bigger, as everyone trying it gets a more stable future, a healthier home and an extra protection against energy price volatility. In this perspective, efficiency is key to solve housing issues and secure low bills in the long run. But as many good things, its benefits have been kept secret for too long. So let’s get more affiliates in the club – not only the geeky ones – and a bigger crowd celebrating successes.

Last but not least, we need sponsors. Continuity and diversity will be key here, as we certainly need continuous public funding e.g. from the EU recovery, cohesion, ETS and modernisation funding streams, but crucially also a more diverse set of private sponsors. If you or any of your friends happen to be interested in good investments, come and talk to me at the end of the Olympics !

 

Céline Carré
Head of Public Affairs
Saint-Gobain

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