Paris-Le Bourget, 09/12/2015 (Agence Europe) - As representatives from the local authorities throughout the world are meeting in Paris to debate energy efficiency solutions, the Climate Alliance, which brings together more than 1,700 local authorities in Europe, joined the Coalition for Energy Savings in calling on the EU to set out ambitious energy efficiency legislation for the period leading up to 2030.
In a resolution on the EU's integrated climate/energy action adopted on Wednesday 9 December, 1,700 members of the Climate Alliance (which represents 60 million citizens) called on the European Commission to put forward a binding 40% energy efficiency target. This target was defended by the European Parliament during the adoption of the climate/energy framework in October 2014 and it continues to argue in favour of it because it estimates that at least 27% of energy efficiency is largely insufficient because this target is, for the time being, non-binding.
The local authorities are now recognised as being crucial partners in the fight against climate change and the transition to a de-carbonated economy because they are particularly active on the ground. The Coalition for Energy Savings is fighting for the full potential of energy efficiency to be unlocked.
“An ambitious and binding energy efficiency target at EU level will help local authorities embrace energy efficiency solutions and bring tangible benefits for citizens”, said Tine Heyse, the president of Climate Alliance and the deputy mayor of Ghent. Stefan Scheuer, secretary general of the Coalition for Energy Savings, stated: “We welcome Climate Alliance joining our quest to put energy efficiency first in all decision making. This means that the benefits of an ambitious energy savings target should be properly valued when preparing future legislation”.
The Commission's legislative proposal are intended to help the EU attain its 2030 energy efficiency and renewable energies targets and are expected after the summer, following the announcement made by the Commission on 18 November (see EUROPE 11433). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)