Energy Saving News
EU reveals energy-saving building target
The European Commission has stated that energy efficiency improvements made to buildings will "pay for themselves in energy savings".
A report from the commission also emphasises the business benefits of energy management in construction and maintenance, claiming that energy-saving measures "make our industry more competitive and our citizens richer".
European Union policymakers are currently working on initial plans to carry out energy-saving renovations on 15 million buildings over the next ten years.
According to the draft report seen by Reuters, the European Commission plans to launch a new energy-efficiency drive known as the European Building Initiative.
Backed by the European Investment Bank, the scheme would see builders and architects re-educated in green construction techniques and could create two million new jobs.
The EU estimates that the initiative could lead to the equivalent of 37 million tonnes of oil in energy savings, which would be worth approximately $19.7 billion (£12.4 billion) at current prices, according to the news agency.
"Investing in energy efficiency in buildings can play a key role in the EU's economic recovery," the report states.
Last week, US president Barack Obama announced that all federal departments will have 90 days to set new targets for reducing their carbon emissions.
Monday 12th October 2009
