4 good reasons why Energy Efficiency is Important

Four Good Reasons 1.Demand for energy will keep growing 2.Climate change is at the centre of the political agenda 3.Efficiency is the most cost-effective way to reduce consumption and CO 2 emissions 4.Enlightened policy and advances in technology hold the key to progress in energy efficiency

1)demand will keep on growing mainly in developing countries with fierce competition for supply Source: EIA, International energy outlook

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2) climate change will continue to be at the centre of the international political agenda The EU introduced binding targets or a 20% reduction (from 2005 levels) by 2020, with specific objectives for each EU Member State (EU Directive 2009/29/EC). The US set reduction requirements (EPA) for some sectors and a new Climate Draft Bill is currently being discussed in Congress with the Obama government working to close a deal – made more likely by the Gulf of Mexico off-shore drilling disaster.

3) Efficiency is the most cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption and CO 2 emissions

4) Enlightened policy and advances in technology hold the key to future progress in energy efficiency Rising energy costs will fall on both consumers and industry. It is imperative to find more cost-effective solutions and implement them faster. 7

Power demand is steadily growing

4 areas where can we boost energy efficiency through better regulation and implementation 1.Buildings 2.Electrical appliances 3.Motor transport 4.Industry

Buildings In the EU, buildings are responsible for almost 40% of total energy consumption and are the main source of greenhouse gas emissions. On 18 May 2010 the Directive on energy performance of buildings (2002/91/EC) was adopted: by 31 December 2018 EU Member States must ensure that all new buildings produce as much energy as they consume on-site.

Electrical Appliances The Ecodesign of Energy-Using Products Directives (2005/32/EC and 2009/125/EC) aim to reduce the environmental impact of products, including their energy consumption throughout their life cycle, covering all energy related products, including those that do not actually use energy, but still indirectly impact energy use.

Motor Transport Legislation for more rigid and binding limits for CO 2 emissions and fuel consumption of vehicles are under discussion both at EU and US level.

Industry The Emission Trading Scheme Directive, currently under revision, set reduction objectives and is the world’s first ‘cap and trade’ system of allowances for emitting carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and other greenhouse gases. In the US the introduction of a similar ‘cap and trade’ system for industry emissions is under discussion.