15/12/2010  Green MEP welcomes binding EU target on energy savings

Jean Lambert, the Green MEP for London, has welcomed the European Parliament's adoption of a report calling for the EU 2020 energy savings target of 20 per cent to be made binding.

The report on the revision of the Energy Efficiency Plan, which was voted on today, also included an amendment signed by Jean pushing for the renovation of the existing building stock.

Jean, who has produced a report on climate change and London's housing [2], said: "Today's vote sends a powerful and timely message to the EU Commission and Council on the importance of a binding energy savings target ahead of the crucial 4 February energy summit and with the Commission preparing its energy efficiency action plan.

"Saving energy is the most cost-effective and fastest way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating millions of jobs, improving social conditions and quality of life. However, at current rates of progress, Europe will only meet about half of the 2020 target. The time for excuses is over. Now is the time to implement key structural measures to put Europe on track to being a truly energy efficient economy and by making the target binding we can help ensure EU governments actually deliver on this potential.

"The report also calls for stronger measures to address the energy consumption of buildings, notably by renovating the existing building stock, which accounts for 40 per sent of energy consumption in the EU. In the UK alone, there are 8.6 million homes built before 1945 that would benefit from loft and wall cavity insulation [3]. An ambitious commitment to retrofitting would not only make huge energy savings but generate much needed jobs."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

[1] To read the report in full visit: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&reference=A7-2010-0331&language=EN&mode=XML

[2] To read Jean's report, Hothouses: Climate Change and London's Housing, visit: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/statistics/pdf/1346262.pdf

[3] English House Condition Survey 2007: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/statistics/pdf/1346262.pdf

News type: Press Releases