Zero energy buildings Crucial for Copenhagen - Hall

2.25.37pm GMT Wed 18th Nov 2009

North East MEP Fiona Hall has hailed an agreement on improving the energy efficiency of buildings as vital for allowing the EU to play its full role at December's Copenhagen Climate Change Conference.

The Council and the European Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) committee have agreed that from 2020 every new building constructed in Europe should need "nearly zero" energy for heating, cooling and lighting.

The European Public Buildings Directive also concludes that all major building renovations must adhere to cost-effective energy standards.

Ms Hall, Liberal Democrat spokesman on the directive recast said:

"Today, 40% of energy consumed in Europe is used in buildings. These efficiency measures for new and existing buildings are arguably the biggest step that Europe will take towards meeting its carbon reduction targets.

"European leaders are still talking about a Copenhagen pledge to cut emissions by 30%. Without zero energy buildings and improved renovation standards, it would be impossible to reach that figure."