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| Ambitious EPBD recast  Eurima congratulates the European Parliament on the adoption of its first reading position on the proposed recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Eurima considers that this vote sets the right level of ambition, tapping into the building sector's vast potential to deliver energy efficiency, as well as providing a strong stimulus towards economic recovery. Jan te Bos, Director General of Eurima, said: "The European Parliament has put down a clear environmental, economic and social marker by strengthening the Commission's proposal. Today's (23 April 2009) vote will not pass unnoticed. It must certainly encourage all Member States to prioritise reducing energy demand and setting up an optimal level of energy efficiency performance in our buildings across Europe."In particular, Eurima very much welcomes a number of amendments adopted by the Parliament which give a stronger importance to components of the building envelope and encourage Member States to develop an ambitious strategy for very low-energy buildings. The European Parliament has also contributed to making the aims of the Directive a reality by improving the certification process and calling for financial incentives and improved education and training mechanisms throughout the building chain. The adoption of an ambitious EPBD recast will help Europe to address some of its most pressing challenges: relaunching the economy, combating climate change and ensuring energy security. Enhancing the energy performance of the EU's building stock will significantly improve the quality of life of millions of Europeans by reducing energy use in the building sector, lowering energy bills, reducing exposure to energy supply problems and peak loads, and creating new green-collar jobs through the refurbishment of existing stock and the development of very low and net zero energy buildings. Today's (23 April 2009) vote confirms the leading role the European Parliament has played for the past five years in paving the way for an ambitious EU-wide policy for the energy efficiency of our buildings. It sends a clear message about continued EU leadership in the global battle against climate change. "The adoption of the first reading report by the European Parliament is not only ambitious but also very timely," Jan te Bos said. "It gives a strong signal to EU Member States in their negotiation of a first reading position. While most Member States have already developed to varying degrees a functioning and ambitious regulatory framework, we now believe the EU will take the important step of adopting an ambitious EPBD recast before the end of 2009. Eurima is fully committed to helping the Council and the future Parliament to make energy efficiency in buildings a reality for all Europeans." write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Construction News :: home page |