Why supporting energy efficiency in buildings Vincent BERRUTTO

Why supporting energy efficiency in buildings? Vincent BERRUTTO Head of Unit Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation DG REGIO workshop Brussels 19 June 2009

European Union’s Energy Policy Targets 2020 TARGETS <20% less greenhouse gas emissions <20% share of renewables <20% better energy efficiency …By 2020 2

Energy savings potential by 2020 Source: 2 nd Strategic Energy Review (EC Nov. 08) 3

Example of housing retrofit in Latvia < Complete thermal insulation < Modernisation of heating system, new radiators with thermostats < New windows, new ventilation => Heating consumption reduced from 150 to 70 KWh/m 2. year (> 50% gains) Source: IWO e. V. 4

Benefits of energy efficiency < Climate protection < Security of energy supply < Competitiveness, job creation < Better living conditions, fight against fuel poverty 5

Barriers to overcome · Lack of information · Seen as low priority · Hassle factor, inertia, traditions · Fragmented markets, many actors · Focus on investment costs · Insufficient capital · Split incentives · Lack of owners cooperatives 6

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive < Mandatory energy performance standards < Energy performance certificates < Regular inspection of boilers and A/C systems NB: Recast currently under discussion 7

Converting policy into action e. g. pilot project in Roja (LV) 8

INTELLIGENT ENERGY EUROPE ENERGY EFFICIENCY RENEWABLES More than 2000 beneficiaries from 31 European countries < carry out 400+ European projects < set up 60 local/regional energy agencies ENERGY IN TRANSPORT < New in 2009: ELENA technical assistance facility for municipalities (operated with EIB) 9

The BUILD UP web portal The European web portal for energy efficiency in buildings. Public authorities Building occupants Building professionals NEW! Launch 16 June 09 www. Buildup. eu 10

More info http: //ec. europa. eu/intelligentenergy 11