Germany wants 'energy passport' for buildings[fr][de] 

What are the best strategies for achieving energy-efficiency targets in the fields of electricity use, buildings and transport? These were among the questions discussed at the EU/G8 energy efficiency meeting in Berlin on 20-21 April 2007.

In an effort to cut energy waste Germany proposed the introduction of mandatory energy certification for buildings, giving tenants and purchasers a clearer idea of the energy costs that they will face.

German Minister for Transport, Building and Urban Affairs, Wolfgang Tiefensee, said: "In the future, property ads might say not just 'balcony, two rooms, quiet area' but also mention its energy efficiency." Tiefensee is seeking to improve the energy balance of new buildings by up to 30%.

German Minister for Economics and Technology Michael Glos said: "The economy and the environment need an appropriate, sustainable framework. This will not materialise by itself. The Federal Government has thus made the issue of energy efficiency one of the priorities of its EU and G8 Presidencies."

Moreover, the EU seeks to give financial support of up to €11.2 billion to neighbouring countries, in order to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy sources beyond its borders.

Laetitia de Marez, head of Greenpeace International Efficiency project said: "It's urgent to close the European market to 'energy-wasters'." She further called on ministers for "immediate national bans on incandescent light bulbs and enforcement of an EU-wide mandatory efficiency standard on domestic lighting by 2010".

The European association of home appliances producers (CECED) called for a worldwide approach towards energy efficiency and demanded to involve international organisations, such as the WTO and World Bank, as well as a better enforcement of legislation and replacement of old appliances. CECED Director-General Luigi Meli said: "We call upon policymakers in Europe and other countries to initiate programmes that increase consumers' awareness and speed up the diffusion of the available state-of-the-art technology into households."