Did you know that…the 20-20-20 goal includes improving the energy efficiency of buildings?

29/01/2010
GMV

The 20-20-20 strategy is an initiative launched by the European Commission two years ago to combat climate change with a clear objective: reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%; save 20% in energy consumption; and provide the energy system with at least 20% renewable energy; all by 2020.

Various measures have been proposed to improve energy efficiency, including measures related to the energy efficiency of buildings.

Table of Contents

Improving the energy efficiency of buildings

Energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings accounts for approximately 40% of total final energy consumption and 36% of total CO2 emissions in the European Union.

In the lifting sector, energy-efficient products are beginning to be marketed. In the field of hydraulic lifts, for example, hydraulic components are already being manufactured that are environmentally friendly (ecological fluid), or that significantly reduce energy consumption ( NGV electronic valve group ) and that lead to a considerable reduction in the total final energy consumed in a building.

The European Commission proposes to remove the 1000 m² threshold for existing buildings in the event of major renovation, and to apply energy efficiency requirements to a larger number of buildings.

Areas of application

Directive 2002/91/EC (of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 on the energy performance of buildings) covers the residential and tertiary sectors (offices, public buildings, etc.). However, some buildings are excluded from the scope of the certification provisions, for example historic buildings, industrial buildings, etc. It covers all aspects related to the energy performance of buildings in order to adopt a truly integrated approach.

The Directive does not provide for measures targeting non-installed equipment, such as household appliances. Measures relating to labelling and mandatory minimum performance have already been implemented or are being considered within the framework of the action plan for energy efficiency.

Sources: The European Union Portal , The European Commission