EU told to do more on sustainable building

A report from the European Energy Network (ENR) chastises EU member states for being “disappointingly slow” in implementing legislation on energy efficient building.

The report - released during the EU’s Sustainable Energy Week - outlines the results of ENR’s survey of compliance with the EU’s Energy Performance in Buildings Directive.

The survey focused on new builds and existing buildings in residential, public, and commercial sectors, and found that European governments have a long way to go to meet the target of boosting energy efficiency 20% by 2020.

The report set out a series of recommendations for EU chiefs, including that they set out a timeframe for new buildings to have zero net energy and carbon emission requirements, and that they reduce energy requirements or carbon emissions from existing buildings.

Additionally the report stated that the EU should reduce the size threshold for existing buildings undergoing renovations that are required to meet minimum report requirements. Member states should set minimum performance guidelines for building components, and encourage the use of energy performance certificates through information and awareness campaigns.

Finally, the report recommended that governments put in place enforcement systems to back up energy efficient building regulations, as well as offer incentives to residents to improve their energy performance.

President of the ENR, Simon Green, said: “We hope that the findings of this report will act as a catalyst for further constructive debate given the importance of successful implementation of this Directive by all Member States.”