By Martin Banks - 23rd May 2011
But policy does not exist in a vacuum
Iain Campbell
The EU must develop "smarter ways" of promoting energy efficiency if it is to meet the 2020 carbon reduction targets, a conference has heard.
The event on Monday was told that energy efficiency is the "most economic way" of reducing emissions in the short term.
The EU wants a 20 per cent increase in energy saving by 2020 although the commission admits that, currently, it is well short of meeting that target.
It is also seeking a 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade.
The conference featured experts from government, NGOs, foundations who discussed approaches to improve efficiency in sectors that account for the "vast majority" of CO2 emissions and energy use.
It heard that, in Europe, buildings are responsible for 40 per cent of energy consumption and 36 per cent of CO2 emissions and represent the most "cost-effective" way for countries to meeting the EU targets.
Iain Campbell, vice president of Johnson Controls, the US-based company which organised the event, pointed out that international legislation and targets to drive energy efficiency and CO2 reduction are implemented at a local level by member states.
"But policy does not exist in a vacuum. It needs to be combined with access to funding, the right technology and be of value to business and the economy," he said, adding, "There are many ways to do that."
Another keynote speaker, Climate Group CEO Mark Kenber, called for legally-binding targets.
He said, "Energy efficiency is not the only most economic way of reducing emissions in the short-term.
"It is also the most socially progressive as it helps businesses and households to reduce their energy bills and save money.
"While many businesses are behind a more ambitious EU emissions reduction target, the EU should also strengthen its commitment to creating an energy efficient Europe by making its energy saving target legally binding."
The event also heard from the owner of the Empire State building in New York which, through various measures, has increased is energy efficiency by 38 per cent.
Anthony Malkin said that when the project is complete in 2013, it will be among the top 10 per cent of all office buildings in the US for energy efficiency.
"By lowering operating costs and improving comfort, the Empire State Building will become more profitable," he said.
