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European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency
News article11 June 2021

The missing "WHY" for energy efficiency

Energy Efficiency Watch

The Energy Efficiency Watch (EEW4) project, funded under the Horizon 2020 Energy Efficiency, published the results of its new EU-wide experts survey The missing "WHY" for energy efficiency. The survey brings together the insights of over 1,200 experts on the progress in energy efficiency policies and key factors for narrative development in all EU Member States.

The EEW4 survey results compile the opinions and insights of energy efficiency experts, providing valuable information that can help put the EU on the path to climate neutrality. The survey presents how energy experts see the "real-life" progress of energy efficiency policies in their own country. It also contributes to a deeper understanding of what constitutes a successful narrative for energy efficiency and the current positioning of energy efficiency in the public debate.
 
The study established that the perceived energy efficiency progress remains too slow across the EU27 and policy ambition seems more strongly maintained in the countries where a consensus has been reached on the "WHY". This emphasises how much effective narratives are needed to drive the energy transition and achieve Europe's climate neutrality goal. A key finding of the study is the need to strengthen the link between jobs, industry, competitiveness and energy efficiency in the public debate. This requires better data showing these benefits, beyond climate protection and cost savings, to gain the buy-in and participation of influential stakeholder groups. Compelling narratives are needed that can help shape the debate on energy efficiency on local, regional and national level, and create new dynamics for successful implementation of energy efficiency policies in Member States. The EU Recovery Plan and the revision of the EED present a unique opportunity to reposition energy efficiency.

Read the full EEW4 survey report here, and its executive summary here.

Energy Efficiency Watch: energy-efficiency-watch.org 
 

Details

Publication date
11 June 2021