New building measures set to slash CO2 and create jobs

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 27th Apr 2009

Measures adopted in the European Parliament are set to cut Europe's energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 11% by 2020.

Now, all buildings undergoing major renovation will have to meet cost-optimal energy efficiency standards under the re-examination of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Previously, only renovations in buildings bigger than 1000m2 were affected.

And thanks to her report on energy efficiency in 2008, North East MEP and Lib Dem Fiona Hall was given a lead role on the re-examination of the Directive for the Liberal Group in the European Parliament.

First passed back in 2002, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive introduced the Energy Performance Certificate and formed the basis for the UK's "zero carbon homes" strategy.

MEPs also voted for all new buildings to be net zero energy buildings by 2018 and for public buildings to play an exemplary role. It is proposed that all new public buildings should be constructed to net zero energy standards by 2015.

Energy-efficiency expert Fiona said:

"The vote today marks a big step forward towards the goal of making every building in Europe energy efficient, eliminating fuel poverty and improving energy security. The boost to employment, especially in the construction sector, will also be extremely welcome: it is estimated that up to 450,000 jobs will be created across the EU because of these measures."

The European Parliament voted in favour of ambitious financial measures in support of the recast, including more use of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money for energy efficiency work (currently limited to 4% outside the new Eastern European Member States).

Fiona added: "Following this First Reading vote in the European Parliament, the ball is now in the court of national governments. I am confident that we can agree a final text this autumn under the Sweden Presidency, and I call on the Government to give its full support to the measures voted today."