Energy-saving measures including renovating public buildings, energy-saving schemes for utilities, and energy audits for all large firms, could cut energy consumption by 20%, saving the EU €50bn per year – according to an EU energy efficiency directive approved by the European Parliament on Tuesday (11 September).
“This essential legislation is not only crucial for achieving our energy security and climate goals, it will also give a real boost to the economy and create jobs,” said rapporteur Claude Turmes.
“Crucially, it will reduce the sizeable and growing cost of our dependence on energy imports – €488bn in 2011 or 3.9% of GDP – which is particularly stark in crisis-hit countries”.