Sustainable Energy Week begins

Energy efficiency legislation and incentives will be the focus of discussions this week in Brussels. Supported by the European Commission, Sustainability Energy Week is a series of conferences, debates and discussions in Brussels.  It provides an opportunity for stakeholders to share best practices and inspire ideas on secure, clean and efficient energy.

We are expecting to see revisions to the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive in the autumn. Among many other voices, Glass for Europe and the Renovate Europecampaign are calling for ambitious and effective revisions of these directives to transform the existing building stock in Europe.

The EU is committed to increasing energy efficiency by 27% above 1990 levels by 2030. It has also promised to cut greenhouse gas emissions (including CO2) by at least 40%, and boost renewables by 27% over 1990 levels.

Despite its potential to create local jobs, boost the economy, save energy and reduce carbon emissions, the current renovation rate of Europe’s buildings is just 1% a year. Increasing this rate through effective policies on energy efficiency refurbishments will feature prominently during the week’s events.