Brussels, 20/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - At Friday's the EU-G8 conference on energy efficiency held in Berlin, the German presidency of the Council proposed compulsory energy efficiency labelling for houses and flats. Similar to what is done in the EU for goods, these labels would give prospective buyers and tenants information of the energy costs of the buildings they wish to live in. Opening the two-day conference German ministers Michael Glos (Economy) and Wolfgang Tiefensee (Transport and Urban Development) received the backing of Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs. Their proposals will be discussed next week at a meeting of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet. Mr Tiefensee told press that energy certificates giving a clear idea of the cost of heating and hot water could be introduced by the end of the year and that rules on energy performance for new or renovated buildings would be toughened in 2008.
By way of preparation for the G8 Summit in Heiligendamm on 6-8 June, the aim of this conference is to foster the dialogue on market-oriented solutions for the demand side and to support the ongoing policymaking process aimed at enhancing energy efficiency. Prominent speakers from the political community, business, and scientific worlds, and society will outline their strategies, concepts, and experience on efficient energy use, and energy efficiency in buildings and in transport. (eh)