Opinions
Energy efficiency in data centres: a strategic choice for the European Union
On 27 January, I attended the roundtable on sustainable data centres, “Reconciling growth with energy efficiency”, organised by Utopia EU. The discussion could not be more timely. Data centres are becoming one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity demand in the European Union. By 2030, they are expected to consume around 115...
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...
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)...
Solving Europe’s water challenges means getting it right on energy
Numerous emergency measures and low water supply issues make one thing is clear: Europe’s water sector is under pressure, says Bonaldi da Costa of Danfoss in Foresight Climate and Energy.
EU-ASE President Monica Frassoni’s message ahead of the upcoming negotiations at #COP28
EU-ASE President Monica Frassoni speaks ahead of the upcoming negotiations at COP 28, beginning today, 30 November, running until 12 December 2023 in United Arab Emirates. COP28 UAE will be a milestone moment when the world will take stock of its progress on the Paris Agreement. The first Global Stocktake (GST) will provide a comprehensive...
The green home is worthwhile: 94 billion in savings for Italians from efficiency improvements
A new study shows the benefits within the next twenty years of renovating the most energy-intensive buildings. On 12 October, the Italian government will participate in the final phase of negotiations on the European EPDB Directive for the energy performance of buildings. According to research just published by the international consulting firm...
It is time to update our thinking about energy efficiency
“Energy efficiency becomes even more important as we shift to a renewables-based economy,” says Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen of Danfoss ahead of the second edition of European Energy Efficiency Day 2023. It is not magic, energy efficiency solutions are readily available right now. The UNFCCC Global Stocktake report released in...
Building Investor Certainty: Business Leaders Unite in Urgent Call for an Ambitious Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
We call upon the co-legislator to seize a historic opportunity and prioritize the adoption of an ambitious Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) before the conclusion of the Spanish Presidency at the end of 2023. Our appeal for urgent action is grounded in the recognition that a timely agreement on the EPBD is essential to bring an...
Interview: Brussels must not give up on EU green buildings law
“This Commission started on the good foot with the launch of the Renovation Wave and the New European Bauhaus. It must now think about its legacy and avoid simply giving up on the EPBD” the European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE) President Monica Frassoni told Frédéric Simon of Euractiv. The European Commission led by Ursula von der...
Today’s construction must not become tomorrow’s retrofit
“Achieving a much deeper and increased building renovation rate is crucial to achieving the EU’s decarbonisation objective” says Mike Stenson of Kingspan in Foresight Climate & Energy, ahead of the second edition of European Energy Efficiency Day. The way we build is evolving dramatically, with new materials, systems and...
In a fast-changing political and economic environment, 2025 was a year of continued efforts to strengthen security, stability, and competitiveness for European businesses.
Throughout the year, our work demonstrated that energy efficiency is not only essential to achieving climate goals, but also a key driver of innovation, energy independence and sustainable long-term growth across Europe.
Strong engagement with policymakers, combined with the successful organisation of the 4th European Energy Efficiency Day, highlighted the importance of collaboration and dialogue in advancing shared objectives. Partnerships across sectors and institutions remained central to delivering impact and shaping effective energy policies.
Looking ahead to 2026, we will intensify our efforts to secure the regulatory certainty that can accelerate the energy transition, while providing businesses with the investment confidence they need and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
Read the full Activity Report here.