Following the conclusions of yesterday's European Council on energy, Glass for Europe releases its contribution to the debate on a 2030 energy and climate package to highlight how such an instrument can be designed to foster growth opportunities for EU industries.
Although the European Council only looks at energy efficiency through the narrow prism of diversifying Europe's energy supply, it nevertheless calls for the promotion of action on energy efficiency at all levels. In this context, Glass for Europe believes that it would be inconceivable for the 2030 framework on climate and energy not to include an energy efficiency target. Energy efficiency is indeed the only instrument that allows Europe to simultaneously reduce GHG emissions and strengthen the competitiveness of EU based companies, by reducing energy intensity and dependence on foreign oil and to increase resource efficiency, while also providing a boost to economic activity.
Alongside a GHG reduction target and, possibly, a renewable target, Glass for Europe calls for a binding energy efficiency target. All targets under the new framework need to be designed in such a way as to be mutually reinforcing, and must be legally binding to mobilise market forces, policy makers and society.
'The 2030 framework must be designed as an instrument of growth for EU industries that are ready to deliver on the promise of a competitive low carbon economy' explains Bertrand Cazes, Secretary General of Glass for Europe. Therefore targets must be realistic and aligned with the competitiveness and re-industrialisation objectives of the EU. Glass for Europe takes the view that this is possible by designing general targets following a robust assessment of the potential for cost-effective energy efficiency and GHG emission reduction in each sector of the economy. Sectors should be told how much they are expected to contribute to the general targets so as to dissipate misunderstandings, allow greater focus on business opportunities and provide a stable horizon for investments.
In November 2012, Glass for Europe released its industry pathway to a competitive low carbon economy. 'Thanks to the unique position of our industry as an energy intensive sector that is also a supplier of energy efficient products for the building, transport and solar sectors we want to show that a coherent and properly designed 2030 framework can be a driver of sustainable economic growth in industry' explains Bertrand Cazes.
The Glass for Europe contribution to the 2030 framework elaborates on this message by making concrete proposals to be considered by the European Commission, European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
