INDUSTRY
PlasticsEurope welcomes European Commission's revisions to buildings and energy efficiency directives / Calls for increased focus on minimising energy consumption of existing buildings
PlasticsEurope (Brussels / Belgium; www.plasticseurope.org) has welcomed the European Commission’s recent proposals for a revision of the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) as well as the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). In late November, the EC issued a number of measures focused, among others, on improving energy efficiency in buildings, offering financing for smart buildings proposals and supporting building renovation rates with a view to decarbonising building stock by 2050. Apart from that, the proposals also seek to align energy efficiency targets with the EU 2030 climate and energy framework, among others.
The plastics producers association nevertheless pointed out that the proposals should also focus on minimising the energy consumption of existing buildings. Prioritising such an approach would not only create jobs in Europe, but also yield environmental benefits, PlasticsEurope said. “A deep renovation of existing buildings towards a nearly zero energy building stock is the way forward in achieving both the reviewed energy efficiency target and the goal of decarbonising buildings by 2050,” said association executive director Karl-H. Foerster.
Apart from increasing energy efficiency, a focus on renovation would also boost the low-carbon economy, reduce consumers’ energy bills, drive economic growth and offer new jobs, PlasticsEurope said. “As buildings account for about 40% of the EU’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the energy usage of all buildings (both new and existing ones) is a key element for energy efficiency,” Foerster concluded.
The plastics producers association nevertheless pointed out that the proposals should also focus on minimising the energy consumption of existing buildings. Prioritising such an approach would not only create jobs in Europe, but also yield environmental benefits, PlasticsEurope said. “A deep renovation of existing buildings towards a nearly zero energy building stock is the way forward in achieving both the reviewed energy efficiency target and the goal of decarbonising buildings by 2050,” said association executive director Karl-H. Foerster.
Apart from increasing energy efficiency, a focus on renovation would also boost the low-carbon economy, reduce consumers’ energy bills, drive economic growth and offer new jobs, PlasticsEurope said. “As buildings account for about 40% of the EU’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the energy usage of all buildings (both new and existing ones) is a key element for energy efficiency,” Foerster concluded.
19.12.2016 Plasteurope.com [235776-0]
Published on 19.12.2016