Commissioner Hedegaard emphasizes the role of energy efficiency and climate friendly technologies to increase Europe’s competitiveness. Next to agriculture and transport, existing buildings have been identified as key to reduce CO2 emissions. “Energy efficiency should have a much bigger role than it has today. Not only to reduce CO2 emissions but also to increase our independency of energy resources”, said Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard at a meeting organized by the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE) end of March. “Europe is not going to be a world leader due to cheap labor – we need to lead in innovation, and we need to make green, innovative solutions more attractive”, she pursued.

Commission targets on energy efficiency, however, are far from being achieved. Whilst Europe is perfectly on track for reaching the binding targets of a 20% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and a 20% increase in renewable energies, currently only a 9% increase in energy efficiency is expected by 2020.

Next to agriculture and transport, buildings and even more so existing buildings offer enormous potential to improve energy efficiency. Kjeld Staerk, EPEE Chairman and President of Danfoss Global Services explained that “some 40% of energy demand comes from heating, cooling and refrigeration. Between now and 2050 efficient heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration products will make a tremendous contribution to a low-carbon economy. EPEE members are investing in new technologies and are continuously striving to produce innovative, energy efficient solutions”.

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