Energy Efficiency: Parliament Gives Wake Up Call to Commission and Member States

4.21.29pm GMT Mon 24th Dec 2007

The Lib Dems are backing energy-saving measures proposed in the European Parliament.

The European Parliament's Industry and Energy Committee has unanimously backed a report that calls for drastic measures in the area of Energy Efficiency. In particular, the report criticizes the Member States and the Commission for their failure to implement and enforce existing energy efficiency directives.

Moreover, the report calls on the Commission to act speedily to bring in minimum standards of energy efficiency for such things as air conditioning and set top "decoder" boxes, and to put in place a full timetable for taking the least efficient type of light bulbs - old-style incandescents - off the market as soon as possible.

The report has also asked the Commission to look at the feasibility of phasing out standby mode on electrical appliances and banning other energy-guzzling items such as patio heaters.

The report calls for major changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, due to be revised in 2008, and recommends much higher energy efficiency standards for new and renovated buildings of all sizes.

Andrew Duff, Liberal Democrat MEP for the East of England, backed the report saying:

"With 40% of the energy we consume being used in buildings it is vital that the measures that have been recommended are put in place as soon as possible."