Energy & Climate: Revision of Energy Efficiency Directive

Representing the technology sectors providing innovative solutions which can unlock a greener and more prosperous future for the European Union and its citizens, Orgalim welcomes the upcoming revision of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EU) 2012/27 (henceforth EED) as an opportunity to enhance the role of energy efficiency in ensuring system efficiency.

The most sustainable energy is energy which is not consumed. Energy efficiency improves air quality, creates jobs and growth, and reduces energy imports and energy poverty. Energy efficiency demonstrates multiple benefits far beyond energy aspects and is essential for a cost-efficient energy transition. To ensure that the Energy Efficiency First principle is applied consistently, concrete guidelines are needed to make it a core element at all levels of policymaking.

The EED revision should, in our view, be the occasion to reinforce the level of ambition needed to close the gap in the final National Energy and Climate Plans and to deliver on more ambitious EU climate goals. To this end, the focus should be on:

• Strengthening the renovation obligations for public buildings.

• Strengthening energy efficiency requirements for public procurement.

• Requiring local authorities to develop an energy efficiency action plan with measurable impact indicators.

• Requiring the offer of free energy audits for small and medium-sized enterprises.

• Strengthening the requirements for efficiency in energy transformation, transmission and distribution.

• Strengthening the requirements for using energy performance contracting in the renovation of public buildings.

To read our recommendations in full, please download the document above.