Europe is facing an enormous challenge to find ways to deliver a low carbon economy whilst also living up to our commitments under the Lisbon Agenda to become the most competitive region in the world. With European Heads of State having agreed, in March 2007, a binding and unilateral greenhouse gas emission reduction target of 20% by 2020, this challenge has become a legal requirement for the European Union. The question is no longer should it be done, but simply how can it be done.
In Europe, buildings account for 40% of total energy use with transport and industry accounting respectively for 32% and 28%. This makes buildings Europe's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Since it is possible to cut this energy use in half, through simple measures such as wall and roof insulation, buildings are arguably Europe's biggest energy wasters. Yet as insulation has been shown to be the most cost-effective measures to reduce CO2 emissions, they have the potential to be turned from energy wasters into climate savers.
Knowing that the thermal insulation of buildings can play such an important role, it is important to understand what thermal insulation requirements are needed to deliver both Europe's competitiveness and climate objectives.
U-Values for Better Energy Performance of Buildings, carried out by Ecofys for Eurima, did just that and discovered that:
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Ecofys VII - U-values for Better Energy Performance of Buildings Ecofys VII - Study - ![]() ![]() Ecofys VII - summary leaflet Ecofys VII - Annexes |
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Ecofys VII - EP Launch presentation |
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Eurima Press Release - Ecofys VII study - EU |
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Eurisol Press Release - Ecofys VII study - UK |
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Press Release - Ecofys VII Launch - DE |
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MWA Press Release - Ecofys VII Launch - NL |