Across the EU there's an urgent need to increase energy efficiency and energy saving.
This can be done in all the sectors with existing technology.
Energy efficiency is essential for the EU:
- To meet its climate and environmental commitments;
- To improve economic competitiveness;
- To reduce dependency on imported energy.
To save energy, the
Greens fight for a decrease of the overall EU primary energy consumption by at least 1% per year.
Spring summit must address gap between rhetoric and action on improving energy efficiency
The European Parliament today adopted a report on energy efficiency, which is critical of EU efforts to meet its commitments. Read the Greens' comments on the outcome and the lack of progress in many EU Member States.
Commission must maintain EU ambition on climate and energy legislation
The EU Commission will present new proposals on climate and energy legislation on Wednesday. The Greens call upon the Commission to live up to its pledges made in Bali and to maintain its ambition on climate targets by aiming for a 30% greenhouse gas reduction by 2020 rather than 20% as planned for the time being.
The EU decides to keep tariffs on low-energy light bulbs
The European Commission decided yesterday not to end the import duties on energy saving light bulbs imported from China. The tariffs add up to 66% on the value of the imported bulbs! Once again the EU is not serious on energy efficiency and tackling climate change
EU has failed to decouple electricity consumption from economic growth
A report from the European commission's joint research center (JRC) shows that in spite of the accelerating introduction of energy-saving measures, the electricity consumption in the EU continues to increase like the economic growth.
Member states not serious on energy efficiency action plan
The EU Directive on energy end-use efficiency and energy services requests all Member States to submit their first National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) to the Commission by June 30, 2007. Only 3 countries, Finland, Danemark and the UK, submitted their NEEAP until now!
Outcome of the written declaration to ban incandescent light bulbs in the EU
The Greens' written declaration for an immediate ban on the sale of incandescent light bulbs in the EU, got eventually 193 signatures from the MEPs. It is less than the 393 necessary for the adoption by the European Parliament. Clearly non-green MEPs like to speak about climate change but fail to act concretely!
Action and exhibition on light bulbs
With the Parliament currently considering a written declaration, proposed by the Greens, for an immediate ban on the sale of incandescent light bulbs in the EU, Green MEPs hosted a stand offering the possibility to compare the currently existing light bulbs.
Clear EU commitment to banning incandescent bulbs needed
Green MEP Caroline Lucas has launched a written declaration calling on the Commission to propose legislation to ban incandescent light bulbs without delay. The initiative follows the call by the European Council to improve the efficiency of lighting in the EU from 2009 onwards. The Greens want action now.
Australia annouced this week a plan to ban incandescent lightbulbs within 3 years
The Australian government on Tuesday announced plans to phase out incandescent light bulbs and replace them with more energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. But Australia is a country that still refuses to sign up the Kyoto protocol...
Greens' political summary and key demands
After its launch by the Commission, the "Energy Package" went to the Council for discussion and negotiations among the Member States. A briefing which highlights the Greens' position on this energy package, and a study on the energy market liberalisation, to be downloaded, gives you further details.
Energy efficiency of the European Parlement building
In the frame of the campaign for the election of the European Parliament's president, Monica Frassoni, Greens/EFA candidate, committed also for a more energy efficient EP building. A thermographic analysis of the building was carried out. It provided concrete examples for improvements.
Agreement to strengthen energy efficiency cooperation
At a meeting of the Permanent Partnership Council (PPC) focused on energy, the EU and Russia agreed to join efforts in order to enhance energy efficiency. They discussed also the outcome of the "Thematic Groups" established in the framework of the EU-Russia Energy Dialogue.
EU Council failed to agree on binding renewable and efficiency targets.
Following the EU Commission's "Action plan for energy efficiency:realising the potential" published in October, the EU energy ministers met yesterday to adopt their conclusions. Unfortunately the outcome doesn't show any concret commitment towards more renewables and energy savings.
EP committee calls for meaningful renewables targets in EU Energy Strategy
The European Parliament industry and energy committee voted today on the report following the Commission's Green Paper on a "European strategy for sustainable, competitive and secure energy".
News and documents from the Greens/EFA Conference on energy and climate change
Our conference "Empowering people for sustainable energy" encountered great success. A very large audience had the chance to share the launch of the "Vision Scenario for the European Union" on energy and climate change.
"Empowering people for sustainable energy" conference, 9 November
The Greens in the European Parliament invite you to their conference which will bring together stakeholders from local authorities, businesses and NGOs. The launch of a "Green scenario for energy and transport policy in Europe" will be at the core of this event.
Commision proposes today its energy efficiency action plan
After several delays, the European Commission eventually released the plan to improve energy efficiency in the European Union. It is a first small step in the right direction. However, the transport sector has once again been widely ignored.
MEPs call for no further delay of the EU Energy Efficiency Action Plan
Today Commission President Barroso and Energy Commissioner Piebalgs meet to decide on the publication date of this plan. It was set to be adopted this week but has been delayed in a scandalous way. The MEPs' letter asks the Commission to keep the foreseen schedule.
Give your opinion to the EU commission's Green Paper on energy before end of this week!
The EU currently decides on the future of its energy sector. The Commission is asking for people's opinion on a couple of energy issues in order to develop new policies. So, help the EU to lead the energy revolution towards a free nuclear and efficient renewables economy !
EU and USA renew energy efficiency agreement
The joint Energy Star ecolabel for office equipment was renewed last week after completion of the negotiations between the European Commission and the US environmental protection agency. The agreement will be formally endorsed this autumn and is set for the next five years.
Always wanted to know what was behind ETS? We give you more details but also the pros and cons. Cap and trade your emissions! Don't blow it with hot air !
Modern technologies make it already possible to build or renovate houses which, instead of needing energy, produce it!
We all have daily solutions at home to preserve the climate. The way we use our TV, computer or fridge helps already a lot. Purchasing the efficient appliances is even better. Go for A+++ Fridges. Cool!
The energy we don't use is safe and doesn't threat the climate. That's why saving energy is the best contribution to a sustainable future.The saFest energy is saVed energy!
