80% of the economic potential of energy efficiency in buildings still untapped

In its World Energy Outlook 2012, launched in Brussels on 20 November 2012, the International Energy Agency underlined the unexploited potential of energy efficiency in terms of economic gains, energy security and environmental protection. Systematically adopting the available technologies and practices would lead to “energy savings, by 2035, equivalent to nearly a fifth of global demand in 2010”, according to IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven.

For buildings, the World Energy Outlook found that 80% of the economic potential of energy efficiency remains untapped, largely due to non-technical barriers. With the EU’s dependence on imported energy predicted to exceed 80% by 2035, the urgency to reduce the energy demand of the building stock is clear.

“Renovating Europe’s building stock has a significant mitigating potential and undeniable economic benefits,” said Adrian Joyce, Director of the Renovate Europe Campaign, an initiative of EuroACE. “The facts are there, and the technology is available! Let’s work together to seize this opportunity for every Member State to reap the benefits of greater energy security, increased economic activity and lower energy bills for their citizens.”