Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is accepted as the guiding principle of the EU energy strategy. According to the Energy Efficiency Directive that was amended as part of the Clean Energy for All Europeans package, a 32,5% increase in energy efficiency is needed by 2030. In line with the EU’s “energy efficiency first” principle, energy efficiency practices should be treated as the first option in planning and investment decisions, when setting new rules for the supply side and other policy areas.

The EU measures focus on sectors where the potential for savings is the greatest, such as buildings as they account for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. Most notably, the Renovation Wave released by the European Commission in 2021 will be one of the key strategies to achieve greater energy efficiency in the European building stock. Various available refurbishment options like digitalisation that enables smart and flexible demand-side response can enhance the quality of life for people and optimise energy use.

Potential energy savings resulting from efficiency measures are one of the easiest ways for consumers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy bills – as a response to energy poverty – and limit their reliance on external suppliers of oil and gas. To achieve a high degree of efficiency, improvements throughout the full energy chain – from production to final consumption – are needed.

Objectives

• Making FEDARENE a platform for debate and experience sharing between EU regions/agencies on Energy Efficiency.
• Supporting our members in achieving their Energy Efficiency goals by providing peer-to-peer learning activities, webinars and promoting best practices.
• Seek the cooperation of certification bodies, energy agencies, and other organisations to design and implement energy efficiency projects.
• Discuss and broadly disseminate the essence of revised EU directives and energy efficiency policies with decision makers, the relevant stakeholder community, and our members.
• Identify and overcome regional-local collaboration barriers inherent to energy efficiency measures.