The leading role of the public sector in energy end-use efficiency in the EU: Where do we stand?

Abstract

The leading role of the public sector is a key element of EU end-use energy efficiency policy. Several Community level regulatory instruments, including the Energy Services Directive (ESD), the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the new Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) include provisions focusing on the public sector. Under the ESD member states of the EU shall ensure that the public sector fulfils an exemplary role in energy end-use efficiency. Furthermore, the ESD sets out a specific list of measures in public procurement, of which two must be identified and implemented by the member states. The recast EPBD provides for an earlier date of compliance with nearly zero-energy efficiency requirements of new buildings owned and occupied by public authorities. The new EED introduces a quantified refurbishment target for central government buildings. However, the rest of the public sector will not fall under this provision and is also excluded from energy efficiency requirements for purchasing products, services and buildings. In the first section of the article a summary is provided of the key building blocks of EU energy efficiency policy that promote the leading role of the public sector. The second section of the paper contains an overview of progress against public sector related ESD provisions based on information in the second National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAPs). In some cases the reports reflect shortfalls in implementing existing legislation for the wider public sector, including on energy efficient public procurement requirements. At the same time measures and packages of measures presented by some member states indicate more comprehensive action regarding the leading role of the public sector. The last section of the paper takes a look at the public sector relevant provisions of the new EED and proposes possible ways of strengthening them if progress against the 2020 energy saving targets is found to be insufficient.