EU Legislation and Policies for Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Rick Wilberforce, EU Public Affairs Consultant

Buildings use over 40% of Europe’s energy; more than any other sector. Driven by the need to mitigate climate change, to ensure security of energy supply and to help stimulate an ailing economy, the EU has therefore placed energy efficiency in buildings high up its political agenda. Consequently many pieces of existing legislation on energy
efficiency are in the process of being revised, and many new ones developed.

However, EU Directives have to be implemented by national governments transposing them into national laws before they have any effect. Some governments are quicker, more diligent and more enthusiastic than others.

This paper identifies the key energy efficiency policy trends and legislative developments at EU level. Many however are in transition or development, and the detail will become clearer in the period between writing this paper and giving the presentation.

The paper therefore considers the main policy areas and legislative developments which will impact the energy efficiency of buildings, but only gives the detail where it is firm at the time of writing.

The author argues that the architectural glass industry – in particular the national glass trade associations – must become more proactive in its dealings with politicians and legislators at national level, to help shape EU legislation and to ensure all the opportunities created by it are exploited.

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The Authors

Mr. Rick Wilberforce Market development manager Pilkington In Pilkington, I am responsible for government relations and the monitoring of legislation in Europe, at national and EU level. Am also the President of the UK Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). Am ... Read more