The network of the European Environment and Sustainable Development Advisory Councils (EEAC) has launched a Statement on Energy Efficiency as a key pillar for a competitive, secure and environmentally friendly European Energy Policy.
The EEAC network - composed by more than 30 advisory bodies set up by European national and regional governments to provide independent, scientifically based advice on the environment and sustainable development - met last week in its 15th Annual Conference in Évora (Portugal) hosted by the Portuguese National Council on Environment and Sustainable Development (CNADS) and co-organised by the German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU) on the topic of Energy Efficiency. The statement on Energy Efficiency, endorsed by 15 councils from 10 different EU Member States was presented in this event.
The EEAC Statement underlines that energy efficiency must be regarded as the largest factor in reducing emissions in the near and medium term and that it will be pivotal in limiting global warming to 2°C above pre-industrial levels, a widely accepted threshold politically and scientifically. The EEAC network believes that the Commission's Action Plan on Energy Efficiency endorsed by the Spring Council provides a reasonably ambitious benchmark but energy savings are potentially larger than the aimed 20% until 2020. The EEAC Statement also affirms that the Action Plan requires strong and decisive actions by governments to turn it into reality. Crucial areas are the strengthening of the EU ETS, higher efficiency in the European building stock as well as higher efficiency of products sold in the European market, namely cars and electric appliances. Furthermore, a stronger mainstreaming of energy efficiency will be necessary through an enabling environment for energy services, economic incentives and a shift in paradigm in how we use energy. Only through continuous efforts will the European Union's economy manage the transition towards being the most energy efficient and knowledge-based economy in the world, able to serve as an engine for well being while limiting climate change.