Brussels, 21/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - By adopting the report by the Swedish Social-Democrat Anders Wijkman, last week, the European Parliament called on the EU to set the goal of reducing energy consumption ("final energy intensity") by 2.5% a year up to 2010, instead of the 1% proposed by the Commission in its action plan of energy-efficiency presented in April 2000. By adopting an amendment presented by the Greens, Parliament would even like to see this goal included in the Lisbon Strategy. MEPs, moreover, call on Member States to reduce VAT on the more energy-efficient products and cut land tax on buildings that meet the strictest consumption standards.
Parliament deplores the fact that the Commission's action plan is "too limited" in the fundamental sectors of transport and construction, and welcomes the Commission's intention of shortly presenting a directive on energy-efficiency in buildings, while hoping that the Executive will also present a directive tightening existing standards, especially on heating installed in new and old buildings. The EP calls on Member States and the Commission to set the example in their administrative buildings. In the transport sector, the report suggests a series of initiatives that should be included in the Commission's forthcoming White Paper on European transport policy (see EUROPE of 26 and 27 February, p.16).
Along the lines defined by the last Energy Council, which made of it a "long-term priority" (see EUROPE of 8 December, p.12), Parliament "urgently invites the Commission to present draft directives aimed at promoting the energy-efficiency of electrical equipment, including in pilot mode, based on voluntary agreements and binding standards".
Companies providers of energy-saving equipment and services satisfied
In a press release, EuroAce, "European alliance of companies in favour of energy-efficiency in the building trade", immediately welcomed the adoption of the Wijkman report. The association, which represents some thirty companies such as Saint Goban Isover, Montedison, Velux, Philips Lighting, etc., "firmly back Parliament's appeal for concrete measures in energy-efficiency". It urges the EU to focus, notably, on VAT relief for the more energy-friendly products, directives on energy-efficiency and standards of construction in the building trade, as well as the European system of energy certification. "Some 40% of greenhouse gases come from the use of energy in the building trade" EuroAce stresses.