INDUSTRY WANTS IMPROVEMENTS TO ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS DIRECTIVE.

Seven European industry associations* published a joint statement on January 13 on implementation of the EU Directive on the energy performance of buildings (2002/91/EC), two weeks after the member states' deadline for applying it. The European Commission is urged to ensure effective transposition of the legislation and not to hesitate in launching infringement proceedings where necessary.

Since energy efficiency has become something of a priority in these days of high oil prices, industry wants a review of the Directive in order to achieve the full potential in terms of energy savings. Cogen Europe regrets that "owing to current limits, 4/5 of the potential market is still not covered". A review should, according to industry, provide for the inclusion of existing buildings under 1,000 m2, the extension of inspections to more powered appliances (small boilers, lighting, etc.), and the posting of energy...