Sustainable energy consumption has become the latest buzzword at a time when the repercussions of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. However, the dependence on fossil fuels points to the rather challenging task of a transition to cleaner energy as advocated by the international community. Following the European Union’s pledge to curb CO2 emissions by 20 per cent at 1990 levels by 2020, the wholesale changes require a holistic approach to energy consumption.
It goes without saying that the adoption of intelligent energy use by the general public remains the mainstay of any strategy. Nonetheless, efficient technologies employed within buildings are equally important. On its part, the European Commission is striving to identify a common course of action which finds its basis in the Action Plan for Energy Efficiency. The 2006 strategy underlined 10 priority areas in which concrete action needed to be taken. Measures included the setting of energy standards for buildings and equipment such as copiers and lighting.
The mid-term revisions to the Energy Efficiency Plan, to be published later on this year, will seek to further the aims of the 2006 document by placing importance on all sectors contributing to the sustainability goals. In addition, greater attention will be paid to a number of key areas which have a high potential for energy saving, with buildings listed among them. To this end, investment in the EU’s gas and electricity grids is being targeted. This would entail the modernisation of new grid infrastructure, interconnections and smart grids leading to the increase of efficiency of a Europe-wide energy network.
During an informal meeting of EU energy ministers on September 7, ministers stated the need for increased harmonisation of planning and permit procedures which would give way to the private sector being actively involved within the development of the new energy infrastructure initiatives.
Research and Innovation will a play role in making buildings “greener”. Considered to be one of the keystones of future EU economic growth, EU energy ministers placed the onus on the industry providing technologies for the main sources of renewable energies as outlined in the Strategic Energy Technology Plan. Ultimately, the successful harnessing of sustainable energy sources will also result in the creation of smart cities, with the concept emphasising a holistic outlook on the sustainable use of resources within individual countries and regions at large.
The framework being advanced by the EU provides the momentum for the ambitious environmental targets to be met through a bottom-up approach. Although consumption habits are crucial to any action being taken to reverse climate change, coordinated action remains the best way forward. Making buildings greener is a good start.
Simon Grech is employed at MEUSAC.