Energy efficiency in buildings

 

In December the European Commission, exercising its power of initiative, submitted a legislative proposal to allow all Member States and regions to contribute to investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy by households on low incomes, with the financial support of European cohesion policy. If the Commission's initiative is approved, the EU will co-finance from the Cohesion Fund, schemes launched by national, regional or local energy efficiency for buildings.
"This is a proposal in which all have something to gain" – are the words of Commissioner for Regional Policy, Danuta Hübner, - "It will save energy, reduce emissions, cut energy bills especially for the most vulnerable social group and help the construction industry and particularly SMEs active in this field. We hope that the Council and Parliament adopt the proposal soon and that Member States are able to organize quickly the necessary steps to implement the investment. "
"The housing represents one quarter of energy consumption," said Andris Piebalgs, Commissioner for Energy. "With this measure we help European citizens to improve the quality of their homes, to stabilize climate change policies and to ensure supply."
In accordance with the co-decision procedure, the Commission's proposal will now undergo the scrutiny of Member States and the European Parliament.