The Energy End-use and Energy Services Directive
The Energy End-use and Energy Services Directive (ESD) seeks to reduce the amounts of energy required to deliver energy services to European citizens and businesses.
Estimates are that the EU’s energy consumption is approximately 20 % higher than can be justified on economic grounds. I.e. if the EU would take measures to ensure that its citizens and companies would implement the cost-effective energy savings initiatives, the energy consumption would be reduced by 20 %; it would not cost anyone anything. Thus, it is evident that there is a very large economic potential of unrealised energy savings. A part of these energy savings can effectively be realised through energy services and other end-use efficiency measures.
160 million buildings
Almost half of Europe’s energy is consumed in its 160 million buildings. A major part of the savings sought in this directive can be achieved through implementing practical energy saving measures in new and existing buildings.
There is a wide range of building energy efficiency measures available - including insulation - which are so cost-effective that they can result in cost savings per tonne of carbon dioxide saved. This technology is ready and proven; no extra research and development is necessary. All that is missing is the stimulus to ensure that these technologies are installed – precisely what this directive is intended to facilitate.
- Each member state must prepare a national energy efficiency action plan every three years. The national action plans delivered to the Commission
- MS shall implement a national indicative energy savings targets of 9 % in nine years
- Requirements to the public sector, particularly to act as a market driver
- Governments can impose public service obligations regarding energy efficiency on those operating in the gas and electricity sectors
- Creating conditions to develop and promote a market for energy services (ESCOs)
- Requirements on metering of energy consumption and billing
