Op-ed: Staring us in the face
The malaise of the EU continues into another season. The talk – and reality – of high unemployment, zero growth and declining quality of life persists despite the efforts of the EU and its Member States to dig us out of crisis. But what if the solution was staring us in the face and the EU Member States are not able to see it?
On 9 July 2013, Member States passed another important deadline for implementing key provisions of the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: minimum energy performance requirements, the cost-optimal methodology, energy performance certificates and the inspection of heating and cooling systems. Only 3 Member States were in full compliance by the deadline, continuing a worrying trend of indifference to the huge potential of energy efficiency in buildings.
Together, the EPBD and the EED have the potential to be transformative for European businesses, the construction sector and households alike, but no matter how good their provisions are, there will be no benefit for anyone unless they are fully implemented.
