PlasticsEurope Disappointed with Lack of Ambition on Renovation Rates

Commenting on the compromise reached on the Energy Efficiency Directive, PlasticsEurope expresses disappointment with the overall outcome regarding the renovation of buildings. "The agreement on the renovation rate is a missed opportunity to effectively reduce energy demand and create new jobs", said Martin Engelmann, Advocacy Director at PlasticsEurope. The directive will now have a very limited impact because the total number of buildings owned by central governments is overall very little in Europe.

PlasticsEurope calls on European decision-makers to include more ambitious renovation targets for all public buildings in the Energy Roadmap 2050. This will not only enhance energy efficiency in Europe but could create up to 2 million new jobs in the local building and construction industry and increase tax revenues for the Members States.

Martin Engelmann highlights "The requirement for Member states to set up national roadmaps by 2014 for the deep renovation of the existing building stock, both public and private, is at least a starting point." He calls on Member States to develop now stepwise plans with clear intermediate targets and on the Commission to monitor them closely.