Directive 2012/27 / EU of the European Parliament and Council on Energy Efficiency.
We all know the European Union is aligning itself to benefit the energy efficiency of buildings, what's more, it is not an objective, it is a priority that is moving very quickly to community regulations.
This published directive modifies Directives 2009/125 / CE and 2010/30 / EU, and by which Directives 2004/8 / CE and 2006/32 / CE are repealed.
Energy audits
All large companies will have to undergo an energy audit. These audits would need to start within three years of the directive's entry into force and must be carried out every four years by qualified and accredited experts.
Energy efficiency schemes for energy companies
The energy companies covered by the directive would have to achieve a "Cumulative goal of energy saving end use" by 2022. This objective would have to be at least equivalent to achieving new savings, each year, from 2014 to 2022, of 1.5% of annual energy sales to end customers, by volume, with an average during the last three-year period before the Directive enters into force.
Sales of energy used in transportation could be excluded and alternative ways to achieve equivalent energy savings would be allowed, provided that equivalence is maintained.
Renovation of buildings
The directive will oblige Member States to renovate 3% of the total area of "central government owner-occupied heated and / or cold buildings" (administrative departments whose responsibilities span the entire territory of a Member State).
This would be the case of buildings with a «total useful area» of more than 500 m², and as of July 2015, of more than 250 m². However, Member States may also use alternative means to achieve equivalent energy savings, for example a deep renovation.
Billing of actual consumption for customers
To help customers save energy, suppliers will need to ensure, before January 1, 2015, that their billing information is correct and based on actual usage. The invoices would arrive, at least twice a year, or three months, upon request.
Promote efficiency in heating and cooling
Member States would have to carry out and will communicate to the Commission a 'comprehensive assessment', by December 2015, of the scope of high-efficiency cogeneration and efficient district heating and cooling. For the purposes of this assessment, Member States would have to carry out a cost-benefit analysis - a proposal put forward by MEPs - covering their territory on the basis of climatic conditions, economic viability and technical suitability.
Financing lines
MEPs also proposed the establishment of financing lines for energy efficiency measures. Member States should facilitate the establishment of these facilities or the use of existing ones.
EU and national goals
Directive 2012/27 / EU establishes common measures to ensure that the EU makes progress towards its main goal of reducing energy use by 20% less by 2022. Each Member State will set its own targets and present a national efficiency action plan each three years, in 2014, 2022 and 2022. The European Commission would have to assess, in June 2014, the progress made.
+ Info:
- Directive 2012/27 / EU
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