The Wall Street Journal cites a new report showing that binding EUtargets to increase energy efficiency by 2020 could help save €78bn ayear and cut Europe's energy dependence.
It quotes the Brussels-based think tank European climate foundation saying, "A binding energy savings target has a key role to play in providing energy efficiency policies and programs with much-needed structure and coherence from the European down to the local level in order for the available energy savings to be realised."
The EU decided in 2008 to set three targets to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and build a greener economy by 2020.
However, while a 20 per cent cut to Co2 emissions and a 20 per cent increase in the use of renewable energy are mandatory, the 20 per cent increase in energy efficiency is only voluntary.
