Energy efficiency: action plan

In adopting this resolution drafted by Mr Anders WIJKMAN (EPP/ED, S), the Parliament welcomes the Commission's Action Plan on energy efficiency, although it considers it insufficient to meet the goals of the Kyoto Protocol or the neends of European enenrgy security. The House would prefer the planned legislative programme to deal with the overall energy saving and hence to include measures to reduce the use of energy in general and fossil fuels in particular. Parliament does not share the Commission's view that the target for reducing energy intensity should be 1% per yer. Instead it reiterates its earlier opinion that annual reductions in final energy intensity of 2.5% ought to be acheiveable, provided the political will is there. It calls therefore on the European Council to integrate energy efficiency in the Lisbon process, through the adoption of a target for an annual reduction in the final intensity of 2.5%. The Council is urged to adopt legislation providing for a Europe-wide pollutant-based climaite tax which does not result in an increase in the overall tax burden and covers all greenhouse gases, and/or - as an alternative in the longer term - a comprehensive EU emissions trading systems with step by step reduction of emission quotas. The Commission and the Member States are also requested to review national systems of taxation in order to create incentives to investments in energy efficiency. In addition, the Commission is called upon to submit a proposal for a directive to impose more stringent standards on the construction industry, both for new buildings and existing building stock, including heating systems. It has also asked to put forward a new directive to promote energy efficiency in electrical equipment. Moreover, it is urged to 'initiate a broad reflection and concrete actions for social marketing in the field of energy efficiency. The House would also like to see the setting up of a European Energy Programme Agency to ensure consistency and continuity in energy related programmes. The Agency would be responsible for the implementation, follow-up and dissemination of all programmes under SAVE, ALTERNER and ENERGIE part of the 5th RTD Framework programme and for coordinating and implementing the Energy Efficiency Action Plan. Parliament considers that special measures should be taken in order to meet a binding Community-wide target of doubling the use of cogeneration to 18% of EU electricity production by the year 2010. This is expected to bring about an additional reduction in CO2-emissions. It demands also that as from 2015, 25% of EU electricity production be provided by cogeneration.�