Posted on June, 14 2012

Early this morning the European Parliament, Council and Commission agreed the new Energy Efficiency Directive, but failed to put in place the measures needed to reach the EU's 20% energy savings target by 2020, which was the intention of the legislation.

“The Council substantially watered down text from the Commission and especially the Parliament. This deal reflects neither the ambition nor the urgency needed to put the EU on the right path towards 2020” said Arianna Vitali, Policy Officer for Energy Conservation at WWF European Policy Office.

“This Directive will substantially miss the huge benefits energy savings could bring in terms of job creation, reductions in energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions cuts. Member States need to wake up and realise that this deal is just one small step in creating the robust energy efficiency policies needed for the future”, said Arianna Vitali.

The 20% energy savings target remains non-binding in the final text, diluting any incentive for EU Member States to step up their efforts to achieve it.

The building renovation provisions are particularly weak compared to the great potential for energy savings in this sector. Obligations are limited to buildings owned and occupied by central governments. The Parliament’s suggestion to introduce roadmaps for reducing the energy consumption of the building sector by 80% has been turned into vague national strategies.

The new Energy Efficiency Directive will make some improvements to current EU policy but additional measures and efforts are still urgently needed to realize the full benefits of energy savings for citizens and businesses.

Further information:

• Arianna Vitali
Policy Officer for Energy Conservation
WWF European Policy Office
Tel. + 32 2 743 88 16
Email: avitali@wwf.eu

• Audrey Gueudet
Communication & Media Officer
WWF European Policy Office
Tel. +32 2 743 88 06
Mob. +32 (0)494 032 027
Email: agueudet@wwf.eu