Publicat pe 23/07/2014

EUROCHAMBRES welcomes the communication on Energy Efficiency published today and calls on the European Commission to intensify its efforts to enforce existing legislation.
“We share the Commission’s view that the consistent implementation and enforcement of existing EU energy efficiency legislation across member states is the priority before any new legislation. The bulk of member states lag behind in transposing major elements of the current energy efficiency framework. The Commission must therefore apply a zero-tolerance approach towards all member states on compliance and delivery,” stated Arnaldo Abruzzini, Secretary General of EUROCHAMBRES.

Overambitious compulsory ceiling counter-productive

Regarding the 2030 framework for energy efficiency, EUROCHAMBRES considers it crucial to tackle high energy costs through both efficiency gains and policies keeping energy prices affordable.
“The Commission clearly highlights that we have to meet climate and energy objectives in a cost-effective manner. An overambitious compulsory ceiling for energy savings would not be a panacea for all challenges we face at the moment, such as competitive disadvantages on the global level and threatened energy security. Besides becoming more efficient, it is vital for our competitiveness to avoid policies that would lead to further increases in energy prices. The EU and its member states must also swiftly tackle the key causes of high retail prices – notably high taxes and levies and the incomplete internal market,” concluded Mr Abruzzini.

Practical, hands-on support is crucial for progress

EUROCHAMBRES also points out that providing funds is important, but not enough to trigger efficiency gains. Energy efficiency must be encouraged through practical and cost-effective support measures that extend to businesses of all sizes and in all sectors.

EUROCHAMBRES launched “STEEEP”, a new project that will develop and implement practical energy management solutions, which aim to deliver 10-15% energy savings for hundreds of small and medium enterprises in nine member states, translating into greenhouse emission reductions of around 8500 t CO2e/year. Such concrete and voluntary initiatives, addressing the economic needs of businesses via trusted intermediaries like Chambers, must be multiplied and expanded.