The recently adopted energy efficiency directive (EED) must be rapidly implemented by member states to exploit the “significant” job opportunities in this area, European leaders said on Friday in a plan for boosting growth and jobs. The European Commission estimates that energy efficiency measures could help create 2 million green jobs across Europe by 2020. The leaders also said the pilot phase of the project bond initiative adopted by MEPs and member states in May should be launched immediately. The initiative will see investments of up to €4.5bn intransport, energy and telecom projects. Friday’s plan also allows the use of EU structural funds to provide loan guarantees for resource efficiency, strategic infrastructure and access to finance for SMEs. Adrian Joyce of the European Alliance of Companies for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (EuroACE) said the plan lacked specific measures for the construction sector. “This is a missed golden opportunity since eco-development in that area could create a high number of local jobs and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.” However, the commission has said it will announce in September measures to support the construction sector by stimulating investment in renovation and maintenance through loan guarantees and project bonds for example