Activities of María Soraya RODRÍGUEZ RAMOS related to 2021/0203(COD)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on energy efficiency (recast)
Amendments (51)
Amendment 40 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The higher level of ambition requires a stronger promotion of cost- effective energy efficiency measures in all areas of the energy system and in all relevant sectors where activity affects energy demand, such as the transport, water and agriculture sectors. Improving energy efficiency throughout the full energy chain, including energy generation, transmission, distribution and end-use, will benefit the environment, improve air quality and public health, reduce GHG emissions, improve energy security, cut energy costs for households and companies, help alleviate energy poverty and the associated inequalities, and lead to increased competitiveness, more jobs and increased economic activity throughout the economy, thus improving citizens' quality of life. That complies with the Union commitments made in the framework of the Energy Union and global climate agenda established by the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Amendment 41 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) This Directive takes a step forward towards climate neutrality by 2050 , under which energy efficiency is to be treated as an energy source in its own right. The energy efficiency first principle is an overarching principle that should be taken into account across all sectors, going beyond the energy system, at all levels, including in the financial sector. Energy efficiency solutions should be considered as the first option in policy, planning and investment decisions, when setting new rules for the supply side and other policy areas. While the energy efficiency first principle should be applied without prejudice to other legal obligations, objectives and principles, they should also not hamper its application or exempt from applying the principle. The Commission should ensure that energy efficiency and demand-side response can compete on equal terms with generation capacity. Energy efficiency improvements need to be made whenever they are more cost- effective than equivalent supply-side solutions. That should help exploit the multiple benefits of energy efficiency for the Union, in particular for citizens and businesses. Implementing energy efficiency improvement measures should also be a priority in alleviating energy poverty and its gendered consequences.
Amendment 43 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Energy efficiency should be recognised as a crucial element and a priority consideration in future investment decisions on the Union's energy infrastructure. The energy efficiency first principle should be applied taking primarily the system efficiency approach and an inclusive societal perspective into consideration, ensuring that inequalities are addressed. Consequently, it should help increase the efficiency of individual end-use sectors and of the whole energy system. Application of the principle should also support investments in energy- efficient solutions contributing to environmental objectives listed in Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council50 . _________________ 50 OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13–43.
Amendment 47 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 49
Recital 49
(49) Where using an obligation scheme, Member States should designate obligated parties among transmission system operators, energy distributors, retail energy sales companies and transport fuel distributors or retailers on the basis of objective and non-discriminatory criteria. The designation or exemption from designation of certain categories of such distributors or retailers should not be understood to be incompatible with the principle of non-discrimination. Member States are therefore able to choose whether such transmission system operators, distributors or retailers or only certain categories thereof are designated as obligated parties. To empower and protect vulnerable customers, people affected by energy poverty, such as women in all their diversity, persons with disabilities, older persons, LGBTIQ+ people, children, migrants, and persons from diverse social, racial or ethnic backgrounds, and people living in social housing, and to implement policy measures as a priority among those people, Member States can require obligated parties to achieve energy savings among vulnerable customers, people affected by energy poverty and people living in social housing. For that purpose, Member States can also establish energy cost reduction targets. Obligated parties could achieve these targets by promoting the installation of measures that lead to energy savings and financial savings on energy bills, such as the installation of insulation and heating measures.
Amendment 50 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 53
Recital 53
(53) As an alternative to requiring obligated parties to achieve the amount of cumulative end-use energy savings required under Article 8(1) of this Directive, it should be possible for Member States, in their obligation schemes, to permit or require obligated parties to contribute to an Energy Efficiency National Fund , which could be used to implement policy measures as a priority among vulnerable customers, people affected by energy poverty and people living in social housing . Measures using Energy Efficiency National Funds should be designed with principles of inclusivity and accessibility for all, including women, persons with disabilities, older persons, LGBTIQ+ people, migrants, and persons from diverse social, racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Amendment 52 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 62
Recital 62
(62) Around 34 million households in the Union were unable to keep their home adequately warm in 201974 . The European Green Deal prioritises the social dimension of the transition by committing to the principle that `no one is left behind´. The green transition, including the clean transition, affects women and men differently, in particular due to the gender pay and pension gaps, and may have a particular impact on some disadvantaged groups including people with disabilities. Energy efficiency measures must therefore be central to any cost-effective strategy to address energy poverty and consumer vulnerability and are complementary to social security policies at Member State level. To ensure that energy efficiency measures reduce energy poverty for tenants sustainably, the cost-effectiveness of such measures, as well as their affordability to property owners and tenants, should be taken into account, and adequate financial and technical support for such measures should be guaranteed at Member State level. Member States should support the local and regional level in identifying and alleviating energy poverty. The Union's building stock needs, in the long term, to be converted to NZEBs in accordance with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Current building renovation rates are insufficient and buildings occupied by citizens on low incomes who are affected by energy poverty are the hardest to reach. The measures laid down in this Directive with regard to energy savings obligations, energy efficiency obligation schemes and alternative policy measures are therefore of particular importance. _________________ 74 COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION of 14.10.2020 on energy poverty, C(2020) 9600 final.
Amendment 58 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 96
Recital 96
(96) It is necessary to ensure that people affected by energy poverty, in particular low-income households, women in all their diversity, persons with disabilities, older persons, LGBTIQ+ people, children, migrants, and persons from diverse social, racial or ethnic backgrounds, vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing are protected and, to this end, empowered to actively participate in the energy efficiency improvement interventions, measures and related consumer protection or information measures that Member States implement. Inclusivity and accessibility principles should be incorporated in the design of such measures.
Amendment 59 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 97
Recital 97
(97) Public funding available at national and Union level should be strategically invested into energy efficiency improvement measures, in particular for the benefit of vulnerable customers, people affected by energy poverty and those living in social housing. Member States should take advantage of any financial contribution they might receive from the Social Climate Fund82 , and of revenues from allowances from the EU Emissions Trading System. These revenues will support Member States in fulfilling their obligation to implement energy efficiency measures and policy measures under the energy savings obligation as a priority among vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty, which may include women, people with disabilities, older people, LGBTIQ+ people, migrants, persons from diverse social, racial or ethnic backgrounds, and those living in rural and remote regions. _________________ 82 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Social Climate Fund, COM 2021 568 final.
Amendment 60 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 98
Recital 98
(98) National funding schemes should be complemented by suitable schemes of better information, technical and administrative assistance, and easier access to finance designed with principles of inclusivity and accessibility, that will enable the best use of the available funds especially by people affected by energy poverty, in particular women, persons with disabilities, older persons, LGBTIQ+ people, migrants, and persons from diverse social, racial or ethnic backgrounds, vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing.
Amendment 61 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 99
Recital 99
(99) Member States should empower and protect all people equally, irrespective of their sex, gender, age, disability, race or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and ensure that those most affected or put at greater risk of being affected by energy poverty, or most exposed to the adverse impacts of energy poverty, are adequately protected. In addition, Member States should ensure that energy efficiency measures do not exacerbate any existing inequalities, notably with respect to energy poverty.
Amendment 70 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that regional and local authorities, establish specific energy efficiency measures in their decarbonisation plans after consulting national equality bodies, experts, relevant stakeholders and the public, including the particular groups at risk of energy poverty or more susceptible to its effects, such as women, persons with disabilities, older persons, LGBTIQ+ people, children, migrants and persons with a minorityfrom diverse social, racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Amendment 73 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Member States shall implement energy efficiency obligation schemes, alternative policy measures, or a combination of both, or programmes or measures financed under an Energy Efficiency National Fund, as a priority among people affected by energy poverty, particularly people experiencing intersectional discrimination such as women in all their diversity, persons with disabilities, older persons, LGBTIQ+ people, children, migrants, and persons from diverse social, racial or ethnic backgrounds, vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing. Member States shall ensure that policy measures implemented pursuant to this Article have no adverse effect on those persons. Where applicable, Member States shall make the best possible use of funding, including public funding, funding facilities established at Union level, and revenues from allowances pursuant to Article 22(3)(b) with the aim of removing adverse effects and ensuring a just and inclusive energy transition.
Amendment 76 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 4
Article 9 – paragraph 4
4. Member States may require obligated parties to achieve a share of their energy savings obligation among people affected by energy poverty, in particular those facing intersecting forms of discrimination vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing. Member States may also require obligated parties to achieve energy cost reduction targets and to achieve energy savings by promoting energy efficiency improvement measures, including financial support measures mitigating carbon price effects on SMEs and micro-SMEs.
Amendment 79 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 5
Article 9 – paragraph 5
5. Member States may require obligated parties to work with local authorities or municipalities to promote energy efficiency improvement measures among people affected by energy poverty, including people experiencing intersecting forms of discrimination, vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing. This includes identifying and addressing the specific needs of particular groups at risk of energy poverty or, such as women, or groups more susceptible to its effects. To protect people affected by energy poverty vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing, Member States shall encourage obligated parties to carry out actions such as renovation of buildings, including social housing, replacement of appliances, financial support and incentives for energy efficiency improvement measures in conformity with national financing and support schemes, or energy audits.
Amendment 81 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 6
Article 9 – paragraph 6
6. Member States shall require obligated parties to report on an annual basis on the energy savings achieved by the obligated parties from actions promoted among people affected by energy poverty, vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing, including those actions specifically directed to women and people experiencing intersecting forms of discrimination, and shall require aggregated statistical information on their final customers (identifying changes in energy savings to previously submitted information), with where possible a breakdown of customers by gender, and regarding technical and financial support provided.
Amendment 85 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 3
Article 21 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall establish appropriate conditions for market actors to provide adequate and targeted information and advice to final consumers , including vulnerable customers, people affected by energy poverty with special attention to women, and, where applicable, people living in social housing on energy efficiency.
Amendment 86 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 21 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. Member States shall ensure that final customers, final users, vulnerable customers, people affected by energy poverty particularly people experiencing intersectional discrimination such as women in all their diversity, persons with disabilities, older persons, LGBTIQ+ people, migrants, and persons from diverse social, racial or ethnic backgrounds and, where applicable, people living in social housing, have access to simple, fair, transparent, independent, effective and efficient out-of-court mechanisms for the settlement of disputes concerning rights and obligations established under this Directive, through an independent mechanism such as an energy ombudsperson or a consumer body, or through a regulatory authority. Where the final customer is a consumer as defined in Article 4(1)(a) of Directive 2013/11/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council100 , such out-of-court dispute settlement mechanisms shall comply with the requirements set out therein. _________________ 100 Directive 2013/11/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (Directive on consumer ADR) (OJ L 165, 18.6.2013, p. 63).
Amendment 87 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall take appropriate measures to empower and protect people affected by energy poverty, in particular people experiencing intersectional forms of discrimination such as women in all their diversity, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ people, older persons, migrants, and persons from diverse social, racial or ethnic backgrounds vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing.
Amendment 88 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 2
Article 22 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall implement energy efficiency improvement measures and related consumer protection or information measures, in particular those set out in Article 21 and Article 8(3), as a priority among people affected by energy poverty, vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing to alleviate energy poverty. Member States shall introduce monitoring and evaluation instruments to ensure that people at risk of energy poverty are supported by energy efficiency measures.
Amendment 90 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 3 – point e
Article 22 – paragraph 3 – point e
e) foster technical assistance for social actors to promote vulnerable customer´s active engagement in the energy market, and positive changes in their energy consumption behaviour, taking also into consideration the gender patterns in energy consumption;
Amendment 96 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 22 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b
b) to develop or improve relevant indicators and data sets, pertinent to the issue of energy poverty, that should be used and reported upon;. More reliable and complete gender-disaggregated data should also be a priority for the network.
Amendment 97 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 22 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c
c) to set up methods and measures to ensure affordability, the promotion of housing cost neutrality, or ways to ensure that public funding invested in energy efficiency improvement measures benefit both, owners and tenants, of buildings and building units, in particular regarding vulnerable customers, people affected by energy poverty, and, where applicable, people living in social housing, with a gender-equality perspective;
Amendment 99 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that the public, including civil society organisation and those experiencing intersecting forms of discrimination such as women, older persons, LGBTIQ+ people, migrants, and persons from diverse social, racial or ethnic backgrounds, is given the opportunity to participate in the preparation of heating and cooling plans, the comprehensive assessment and the policies and measures.
Amendment 102 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure the appropriate level of competences for energy efficiency professions that corresponds to the market needs. Particular attention shall be paid to increasing the participation of women in these professions. Member States in close cooperation with the social partners shall ensure that certification and/or equivalent qualification schemes, including, where necessary, suitable training programmes, are available for energy efficiency professions including providers of energy services, providers of energy audits, energy managers, independent experts and installers of building elements pursuant to Directive 2010/31/EU, and are reliable and contribute to national energy efficiency objectives and the overall EU decarbonisation objectives.
Amendment 106 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 28 – paragraph 2
Article 28 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall, where appropriate, directly or via the European financial institutions, assist Member States in setting up financing facilities and project development assistance facilities at national, regional or local level with the aim of increasing investments in energy efficiency in different sectors , and, setting up specific and targeted funding to protecting and empowering vulnerable customers, people affected by energy poverty and, where applicable, people living in social housing including by integrating an equal gender equality and diversity perspective so that no one is left behind .
Amendment 128 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) This Directive takes a step forward towards climate neutrality by 2050 , under which energy efficiency is to be treated as an energy source in its own right. The energy efficiency first principle is an overarching principle that should be taken into account across all sectors, going beyond the energy system, at all levels, including in the financial sector. Energy efficiency solutions should be considered as the first option in policy, planning and investment decisions, when setting new rules for the supply side and other policy areas. While the energy efficiency first principle should be applied without prejudice to other legal obligations, objectives and principles, they should also not hamper its application or exempt from applying the principle. The Commission should ensure that energy efficiency and demand-side response can compete on equal terms with generation capacity. Energy efficiency improvements need to be made whenever they are more cost- effective than equivalent supply-side solutionso make the energy efficiency first principle fully operational and a strategic priority, the Commission should take adequate measures to make regulation more efficient and effective, avoiding allocating funds that are prone to not being exploited due to bureaucratic and administrative barriers; the Commission should eliminate conflicting instruments and prioritise narrowing the gap between the Union ambition and the national objectives, which, as presented in the NECPs, were not ambitious enough. The Commission should also focus on specific aspects of economic activities in order to meet the annual energy saving obligation, which the Commission should increase from 1,5% to 2%. The energy efficiency first principle should be operational locally, regionally, nationally and at European level. The Commission should ensure that energy efficiency and demand-side response can compete on equal terms with generation capacity. Energy efficiency improvements need to be made whenever they are more cost- effective than equivalent supply-side solutions, hence the Commission should support the deployment of different technologies and solutions that allow for system integration and optimisation, such as hybrids and micro-cogeneration using renewable gas and electricity, solar thermal heating technologies as well as decentralised renewable energy production and thermal storage. That should help exploit the multiple benefits of energy efficiency for the Union, in particular for citizens and businesses. Implementing energy efficiency improvement measures should also be a priority in alleviating energy poverty.
Amendment 132 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) This Directive takes a step forward towards climate neutrality by 2050 , under which energy efficiency is to be treated as an energy source in its own right. The energy efficiency first principle is an overarching principle that should be taken into account across all sectors, going beyond the energy system, at all levels, including in the financial sector. Energy efficiency solutions should be considered as the first option in policy, planning and investment decisions, when setting new rules for the supply side and other policy areas, providing that they lead to a reduction of GHG emissions per unit of final energy consumption. While the energy efficiency first principle should be applied without prejudice to other legal obligations, objectives and principles, they should also not hamper its application or exempt from applying the principle. The Commission should ensure that energy efficiency and demand-side response can compete on equal terms with generation capacity. Energy efficiency improvements need to be made whenever they are more cost- effective than equivalent supply-side solutions. That should help exploit the multiple benefits of energy efficiency for the Union, in particular for citizens and businesses. Implementing energy efficiency improvement measures should also be a priority in alleviating energy poverty.
Amendment 134 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) As the energy efficiency first principle is at the core of a more circular economy system, the Commission should pay greater attention to the building sector which accounts for more than 40% of final energy consumption in the Union, not to mention that 75% of Union buildings are still energy-inefficient. By better integrating circularity in the building sector, the infrastructures and technical capabilities of a building would secure longer life spans as well as lower energy consumption, while setting concrete decarbonisation and depollution pathways for this sector.
Amendment 162 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20 b (new)
Recital 20 b (new)
(20b) As to adapt the energy efficiency technical potential to an economical viable solution by 2030, speeding up investments in this sector and facilitating the Union’s energy transition away from fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, would sustain the creation of additional jobs, stimulate economic activity through ecosystem restoration, lower consumers’ utility costs and stabilise the energy prices and volatility.
Amendment 164 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) It is projected that the 32,5% Union´s energy efficiency target for 2030 and the other policy instruments of the existing framework would lead to a reduction in GHG emission of about 45% by 2030.59 For an increased climate ambition of a 55% decrease of GHG emissions by 2030, the impact assessment of the 2030 Climate Target Plan assessed what level of efforts would be needed in the different policy areas. It concluded that, in relation to the baseline, achieving the GHG emissions target in a cost-optimal way meant that final and primary energy consumption are to decreased by at least 36- 37% and 39-41% respectively. To address those efforts more effectively and realistically cutting the energy consumption levels, the need for innovative energy solutions to reduce GHG, such as the development of digital technologies and the recognition of the central role of power feeding and data centres, is vital; fast-tracking progress in this sector should also be encouraged through the creation of a monitoring plan, as high innovative capabilities are a key driver to reducing GHG globally. _________________ 59 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank – A Clean Planet for all A European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy (COM(2018) 773 final).
Amendment 174 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) It would be preferable for tThe energy efficiency target toshould be achieved as a result of the cumulative implementation of specific national and European measures promoting energy efficiency in different fields. Member States should be required to set national energy efficiency policies and measures . Those policies and measures and the individual efforts of each Member State, applied following careful calculations and scientifically proven assessments to avoid disrupting SMEs’ and industries’ activity. Member States should be able to report precisely statistical data related to the current levels of energy efficiency and the national policies and measures they will implement to reach the established target. The Commission should be evaluated by the Commissionpolicies and measures of each Member State, alongside the data on the progress made, to assess the likelihood of achieving the overall Union target and the extent to which the individual efforts are sufficient to meet the common goal.
Amendment 177 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) The public sector is responsible for around 5 to 10% of the total Union’s final energy consumption. Public authorities spend approximately 1.8 trillion euro annually. This represents around 14% of the Union’s gross domestic product. For thatis reason, the public sector constitutes an important driver to stimulatshould take the lead in the implementation of energy efficiency directives. Doing so can actively incentivise market transformations towards more efficient products, buildings, and services, as well as to trigger behavioural changes in energy consumption by citizens and enterprises. Furthermore, decreasingby generating savings in energy consumption through energy efficiency improvement measures can free up public resources for other purposes. Public bodies at national, regional and local level should fulfil an exemplary role as regards energy efficiency. chanisms, local, regional and national authorities can make use of an increased budget to accelerate the deployment and rapidly commercialise innovative technologies in different sectors, including via the EU Catalyst Partnership.1a _________________ 1a The partnership between the European Commission, European Investment Bank and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst will mobilise up to €820 million ($1 billion) between 2022-2026 to accelerate the deployment and rapidly commercialise innovative technologies. This will help deliver European Green Deal ambitions and the EU's 2030 climate targets
Amendment 211 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) The European Green Deal recognises the role of circular economy in contributing to overall Union decarbonisation objectives. The public sector can contribute to those objectives by using their purchasing power to, where appropriate, choose environmentally friendly products, buildings, services, and works via available tools for green public procurement, and thus making an important contribution to reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts. Any public auction in the Union should include in its contractual precedence clauses task execution under strict environmentally friendly conditions established by the individual Member State in line with Union law. Furthermore, the public sector should comply with Regulation (EU) 2021/17671a and transparently offer access to environmental information, including policies and measures taken and allow everyone to exercise their right to public participation in environmental decision- making. _________________ 1a Regulation (EU) 2021/1767 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 October 2021 amending Regulation (EC) No 1367/2006 on the application of the provisions of the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters to Community institutions and bodies (OJ L 356, 8.10.2021, p. 1).
Amendment 242 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 55
Recital 55
(55) Long-term energy efficiency measures will continue to deliver energy savings after 2020 but, in order to contribute to the Union's 2030 energy efficiency target, those measures should deliver new savings after 2020. On the other handAll new savings regarded as significant and generated after 2020 should be recorded and analysed to assess the total benefits and possible future ripple effects or innovations towards the Union's 2030 energy efficiency target. At the same time, energy savings achieved after 31 December 2020 should not count towards the cumulative end-use energy savings required for the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020.
Amendment 243 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 55 a (new)
Recital 55 a (new)
(55a) Such energy savings targets should be in line with the conclusions reached at the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change of 31 October - 12 November 2021; furthermore, those energy saving targets should also be in line with the Article 6 mechanisms of the Paris Agreement Rulebook,1a which supports further global cooperation on GHG emission reductions. _________________ 1a Adoption of the Paris Agreement, https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/englis h_paris_agreement.pdf.
Amendment 253 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 65
Recital 65
(65) Where energyTo guarantee the high quality and impartiality of audits, are carried outuditors should bye in-housedependent experts, the necessary independence would require these experts not to be directly engaged in the activity audwho, when working in-house, are not directly engaged in the activity audited. To guarantee transparency, both the audit recommendations and the measures implemented following the audit recommendations should be easily available on the enterprise’s websited.
Amendment 255 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 66
Recital 66
(66) The information and communications technology (ICT) sector another important sector which receives increasing attention. In 2018 the energy consumption of data centres in the EU was 76,8 TWh. This is expected to rise to 98.5 TWh by 2030, a 28% increase. This increase in absolute terms can as well be seen in relative terms: within the EU, data centres accounted for 2,7% of electricity demand in 2018 and will reach 3,21% by 2030 if development continues on the current trajectory75 . Europe’s Digital Strategy already highlighted the need for highly energy-efficient and sustainable data centres and calls for transparency measures for telecommunication operators on their environmental footprint. To promote sustainable development in the ICT sector, particularly of data centres, Member States should collect and publish data, which is relevant for the energy performance and water footprint of data centres. Member States should collect and publish data only about data centres with a significant footprint, for which appropriate design or efficiency interventions, for new or existing installations respectively, can result in a considerable reduction of the energy and water consumption or in the reuse of waste heat in nearby facilities and heat networks. A data centre sustainability indicator can be established on the basis of that data collected. To facilitate the disclosure, the Commission should prepare guidelines and recommendations, sector-specific manuals and case studies on key energy and water performance indicators. The Commission should carry out appropriate consultations, including with relevant industry stakeholders. _________________ 75 https://digital- strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/energy- efficient-cloud-computing-technologies- and-policies-eco-friendly-cloud-market
Amendment 266 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 69
Recital 69
(69) It is crucial to raise the awareness of all Union citizens about the benefits of increased energy efficiency and to provide them with accurate information on the ways in which it can be achieved. Citizens of all ages should also be involved in the energy transition via the European Climate Pact and the Conference on the Future of Europe, especially in the context that 2022 has been established as the European Year of Youth by the European Parliament. Increased energy efficiency is also highly important for the security of energy supply of the Union through lowering its dependence on import of fuels from third countries.
Amendment 355 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
(aa) demonstrate that energy efficiency measures and solutions taken following the energy efficiency first principle lead to GHG gas emissions reduction per unit of consumption;
Amendment 431 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Member States shall ensure that public bodies implement energy efficiency measures, such as Energy Performance Contracting, that guarantee energy savings and maintain the obtained results over time through continuous monitoring, effective operation and maintenance.
Amendment 453 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
This rate illustrates that the ambition of this Directive for the highest level of energy performance is well aligned with the Renovation Wave strategy3a; furthermore, this Directive and the Directive (EU).../...of the European Parliament and of the Council on the energy performance of buildings shall mutually support and reinforce each other, as Article 7 of that Directive requires that all new buildings occupied or owned by public authorities are zero- emission buildings by the 1st of January 2027. _________________ 3a COM(2020) 662 final, COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS, A Renovation Wave for Europe - greening our buildings, creating jobs, improving lives.
Amendment 461 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Members States shall report about the measures to remove possible obstacles, including regulatory obstacles, either at national, regional or local levels, that are not aligned with the renovation rate referred to in paragraph 1 and disclose how they are going to address them.
Amendment 490 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 b (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 b (new)
By strengthening the monitoring, reporting, and verification rules of energy savings, the Commission shall make sure that the national processes proposed are complemented with a periodic assessment of national programmes and savings by an independent entity; the outcomes of the assessment shall become public to allow for stakeholders’ scrutiny.
Amendment 551 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The energy audits referred to in the first subparagraph may be carried out by in- house experts or energy auditors provided that they are not directly engaged in the activity audited and that the Member State concerned has put in place a scheme to assure and check their quality, including, if appropriate, an annual random selection of at least a statistically significant percentage of all the energy audits they carry out.
Amendment 555 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 10
Article 11 – paragraph 10
Article 11 – paragraph 10
10. Without prejudice to paragraphs 1 to 9 of this Article, Member States shall require, by 15 March 2024 and every year thereafter, owners and operators of everyach data centre in their territory with a significant energy consumption to make publicly available the information set out in Annex VI (`Minimum requirements for monitoring and publishing the energy performance of data centres´), which Member States shall subsequently report to the Commissionpoint 2 of Annex VI, which Member States shall subsequently report to the Commission. The Commission shall adopt guidelines on monitoring and publishing the energy performance of data centres in accordance with point 2 of Annex VI by no later than 15 March 2024. The Commission shall provide harmonised definitions for each reporting indicator, a uniform measurement methodology for each, and provide guidance on uniform reporting and publishing requirements.
Amendment 569 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point vii
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point vii
Article 21 – Paragraph 2 – Point (vii)
(vii) digital tools. , such as smart meters for electricity.
Amendment 570 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point i
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point i
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point i
(i) creation of one-stop shops or similar mechanisms for the provision of technical, administrative and financial advice and assistance on energy efficiency, including energy renovations of buildings, energy efficiency services and energy performance solutions such as Energy performance contracts, and the take-up of renewable energy for buildings to final customers and final users, especially household and small non- household ones.
Amendment 575 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 22 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall take appropriate measures todevelop a robust long-term strategy that would grant appropriate technical and financial assistance to consumers, including solutions such as less emitting heating or cooling systems, and create regional task forces that would monitor, inform, empower and protect people affected by energy poverty, vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing, to alleviate energy poverty.
Amendment 620 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 6 – point e a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 6 – point e a (new)
(ea) investigate potential synergies with the plans of neighbouring regional or local authorities to favour joint investments, economy of scale and cost- efficiency.
Amendment 699 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 25 – paragraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that gas and electricity transmission and distribution systemnetwork operators apply the energy efficiency first principle in accordance with Article 3 of this Directive in their network planning, network development and investment decisions. While taking security of supply and market integration into account, Member States shall ensure that transmission system operators and distribution system operators do notonly invest in stranded assets to contribute to climate change mitigation. National regulatory authorities shallEntities such as the European Network Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E) and the European Entity for Distribution System Operators (the EU DSO Entity) shall support their members in the uptake of energy efficiency measures. Transmission system operators, after consulting stakeholders including distribution system operators, should provide methodologies and guidance on how to assess alternatives in the cost- benefit analysis, taking into account wider benefits, an. National regulatory authorities should verify the implementation of the energy efficiency first principle by the transmission system operators or distribution system operators when approving, verifying or monitoring the projects submitted by the transmission system operators or distribution system operators.
Amendment 774 #
Proposal for a directive
Annex VI – paragraph 1 – point a
Annex VI – paragraph 1 – point a
Annex VI – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) be based on up-to-date, measured, traceable operational data on energy consumption and (for electricity) load profiles and water consumption;