FEDARENE REFLECTION ON A FUTURE ACTION PLAN ON ...
FEDARENE REFLECTION ON A FUTURE ACTION PLAN ON ...
FEDARENE REFLECTION ON A FUTURE ACTION PLAN ON ...
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<strong>FEDARENE</strong> <strong>REFLECTI<strong>ON</strong></strong> <strong>ON</strong> A <strong>FUTURE</strong> ACTI<strong>ON</strong> <strong>PLAN</strong> <strong>ON</strong> ENERGY<br />
EFFICIENCY<br />
If the ‘business-as-usual’ scenario continues, the European Union (EU) will not<br />
be able to fulfil its commitment to cut its greenhouse emissions by 8% in 2010 in<br />
relation to 1990 levels. The European Environment Agency (EEA) predicts that<br />
greenhouse gas emissions will increase in the EU by about 6% over the 1990-<br />
2010 period.<br />
Compared to 1995, total energy consumption will increase by 20%, according to<br />
the EEA.<br />
In parallel with the debate on renewables, it is of vital importance that a broad<br />
discussion on energy efficiency takes place at European level. This constitutes<br />
another area for cutting CO 2 emissions.<br />
<strong>FEDARENE</strong> strongly supports the idea of an Action Plan, in particular now that<br />
the first negative effects of the liberalisation of the electricity and gas markets are<br />
becoming evident with the substantial drop in energy prices, which run counter to<br />
efficient energy use. Robust measures are necessary when the current energy<br />
market conditions are considered.<br />
<strong>FEDARENE</strong> regrets, therefore, that a reduction of 1.5% in final energy demand<br />
was not adopted by the European Parliament in its second reading of the SAVE<br />
II programme, and calls on the European Commission to create a legal basis in<br />
order to achieve this target.<br />
<strong>FEDARENE</strong> agrees with the Energy Commissioner that energy efficiency plays<br />
an extremely important role in view of the upcoming enlargement of the<br />
European Union. <strong>FEDARENE</strong>, therefore, stresses the need to involve the<br />
applicant countries from the outset in the measures proposed in the Action Plan.<br />
<strong>FEDARENE</strong> is categorically of the view that a European combined tax based on<br />
CO 2 emissions and energy contentconstitutes an important measure to ensure<br />
the efficient use of energy. It therefore urges the European Commission to<br />
increase its efforts to facilitate a general agreement among the Member States of<br />
the European Union.<br />
<strong>FEDARENE</strong> welcomes the fact that the European Commission is proposing<br />
measures regarding the demand side of European energy policy. <strong>FEDARENE</strong><br />
believes that, with regard to implementing, monotoring, and analysing energy<br />
efficiency measures, local and regional authorities can play a key role.<br />
<strong>FEDARENE</strong> is of the opinion that regional and local authorities are some of the<br />
major actors in communicating, visualising and clarifying measures necessary to<br />
increase the efficient use of energy, and, therefore, reducing CO 2 emissions.<br />
<strong>FEDARENE</strong> 14.12.99
Strong involvement and engagement of citizens leads to sustainable<br />
development.<br />
Many regions in the EU are already implementing measures envisaged at<br />
increasing energy efficiency. Examples of these initiatives include public support<br />
for energy-efficient buildings, compulsory energy labelling, the development of<br />
energy-efficient technologies, dissemination of information and programmes to<br />
raiseawareness among citizens. <strong>FEDARENE</strong> is of the opinion that exchanging<br />
information, particularly on best practices, is not only of considerable benefit<br />
between Member States, but also between regional and local authorities.<br />
<strong>FEDARENE</strong> clearly supports the EU’s initiative to issue an Action Plan for<br />
improving energy efficiency, in particular since the figures on greenhouse gas<br />
emissions show that the objective of their reduction can only be met with<br />
additional measures.<br />
The involvement of regional and local authorities is of high importance in working<br />
for the efficient use of energy, as one has to act at the level of the consumer.<br />
<strong>FEDARENE</strong>, therefore, calls on the Commission, for it to be involved in the<br />
implementation of the Action Plan in view of the wide experience the different<br />
regions have acquired over the years.<br />
<strong>FEDARENE</strong> 14.12.99