Efficiency and renewables top priority, says EU Commission
The study, which examines the energy used for heating and cooling in buildings and industry, totalling half of the EU's annual energy consumption according to the research, also emphasises the importance of decarbonising electricity and implementing more district heating projects, along with reducing and shifting demand and better use of energy automation and controls.
The Commission is looking to increase the share of renewable energy solutions in buildings, with the report showing how fossil fuels accounted for three-quarters of the energy used for heating and cooling in 2012, while also claiming that two-thirds of the EU’s existing building stock adheres to outdated efficiency standards, arguing that “big savings” can be made through “simple” renovations such as insulating the attic, walls and foundations, and installing double or triple glazing.
The study analyses a number of areas that impact the EU’s overall heating and cooling strategy, including private, public and service buildings, specialist equipment, waste heat and cold, district projects, combined heat and power (CHP) and smart buildings, while also claiming that the use of renewable energy is growing, as well as stating that bio energy sustainability policy will be announced at the end of this year.
Building efficiency specialist EuroACE welcomes the report, stating that it gives a more comprehensive picture of the energy system in Europe, although the company also believes that the role of buildings within the Energy Union could have been better recognised, claiming that the Commission has not proposed measures which would fully tap the cost-effective potential that this sector represents.
“We are glad that the Heating & Cooling Strategy includes energy efficiency measures in buildings and building renovation as key points to be followed-up, but the document fails to fully put the Energy Efficiency First principle into action with concrete policy measures,” said Adrian Joyce, secretary general of EuroACE.
“Only a highly energy efficient building stock, where energy demand has been reduced first, is the starting point for an efficient transition towards a decarbonised, sustainable and secure energy system, based on the cost-effective use of renewable energy sources.”
Fleming Voetmann, head of public affairs and sustainability at Danfoss, added: “Since Europe is a leader in energy-efficient technologies, I am convinced that the heating and cooling strategy will path our way towards a more competitive and energy secure European Union.
“It’s very positive to see that the European Commission now is thinking power, heating and cooling together in one holistic approach.”
The paper has been released as part of the ‘energy security package’, an annual energy strategy from the European Commission, which reveals that the EU is set to focus primarily on securing a strong supply of gas, with the study citing how Europe is currently the biggest importer of natural gas in the world, bringing in enough to meet an estimated 43 per cent of the Continent’s overall gas demand.
The energy security package has received criticism from green organisations and campaigners, with many claiming that the Europe has “turned its back” on last year’s historic climate agreement in Paris.
Molly Walsh, climate justice and energy campaigner for Friends of the Earth Europe, believes a greater emphasis needs to be placed on energy saving and clean energy solutions as opposed to securing a greater gas supply.
"We don't have long to completely decarbonise our energy systems. But instead of prioritising genuine solutions like renewables and energy efficiency, Europe is shackling itself to gas. The 'energy security package' locks Europe into decades of fossil fuel use whilst stifling renewables," she said.
"Why invest in gas we don't need? Energy efficiency improves energy security and creates jobs. For every €1 million invested in energy efficiency, there are twice as many jobs compared to traditional power generation. Instead of securing profits for an ailing oil and gas industry, Europe can benefit from energy and environmental security through energy savings."
