Latest news - EU
Europe puts appliance power consumption on standby
The European Commission has officially adopted measures to reduce the standby energy consumption of household and office appliances.
Europe commits to 20-20-20 target but with get out clause for big polluters
The European Union’s climate change package, including 20% cut in emissions, 20% improvement in energy efficiency and 20% increase in renewables by 2020, was finally agreed at the end of last week.
Europe reaches compromise on climate policy
The European Union has agreed a compromise deal that will increase the region’s share of renewable energy to 20% by 2020 but still includes a controversial 10% target for biofuels.
Industry unites to develop energy management standard
The International Standards Organization, led by the UK, US and Brazil, is developing a general standard for energy management across all energy-using sectors.
Additional Articles
EU funding to boost energy efficiency in low income households
A proposal from the European Commission would allow member states to co-finance the installation of energy efficiency measures in the lowest income households.
EU agrees compromise on car emission targets
European Union member states have agreed on a compromise deal that will phase in an 18% cut in emissions from cars between 2012 and 2015.
European smart grid essential to boosting renewables
A high level meeting of scientists, businesspeople and government officers at the Technical University of Denmark has concluded that the fastest way to a low-carbon energy system is an interconnected smart power grid for Europe.
Green roofs reduce energy consumption
Green roofs – where traditional roofs are replaced with plants and a watering system – optimise the energy consumption of buildings and have other advantages, say Spanish researchers.
Clean tech gets €6 billion boost from European recovery plan
A European Commission recovery plan for the region is calling for a large-scale, long-term investment in clean tech as part of a far-reaching €200 billion package to boost the region’s economy and create jobs.
Europe unveils code of conduct for energy efficient data centres
The European Commission has published a voluntary code of conduct for running an energy efficient data centre. The guidelines, recommendations and best practices could reduce energy consumption by up to 20%.