Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving Fossil fuels were 96 per cent of all energy used in Ireland 2007. EC Directive 2006/32 on energy efficiency in end-use and energy services was put into Irish law by the European Communities (Energy End-use Efficiency and Energy Services) Regulations 2009. Its purpose is to increase energy savings when energy is supplied to end-users—whether they are private consumers, companies or part […]
Building Regulations I The built environment is to contribute more than two-thirds of projected energy savings in the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP). The savings are to be made by energy conservation requirements for residential and non-residential buildings and through energy efficiency and renewable energy. The European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2005 empowered the Minister for the Environment to make building regulations […]
Heat Heat consumes one-third of the energy supply and is dependent on fossil fuels. The alternatives to fossil fuels for direct heating include biomass, Combined Heat and Power (CHP), and geothermal energy. The target was 12 per cent renewable heat by 2020 in the Renewable Energy Action Plan 2010. Renewables Renewables generated 6 per cent of electricity in 2008. Bioheat and other renewable energy supports were […]
Sustainability-related disclosures in the financial services sector Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 on sustainability-related disclosures in the financial services sector It lays down harmonised transparency rules for financial market participants* and financial advisers* on how they integrate environmental, social and good governance factors into their investment decisions and financial advice and on their overall and product-related sustainability ambition. It is designed to limit possible ‘greenwashing’ where […]
European eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS) The European Union eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS) aims to encourage companies and other organisations to continually improve their environmental performance. It is open to any organisation inside or outside the EU, spans all economic and service Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the voluntary participation by organisations […]
Ecodesign requirements — welding equipment Regulation (EU) 2019/1784 — laying down ecodesign requirements for welding equipment It sets out ecodesign requirements for the placing on the market or the putting into service of electrical mains-operated welding equipment. Key Points It lists the welding processes to which the regulation applies and those to which it does not. The ecodesign requirements are set out in Annex II, […]
Targets for 2020 The climate and energy package comprises complementary legislation, aimed at ensuring the EU meets its ambitious climate and energy targets for 2020. The package sets 3 key targets: Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC […]
Motor vehicles: use of biofuels The European Union (EU) creates a Community framework to promote the use of biofuels in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental impact of transport, and to increase security of supply. Directive 2003/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 May 2003 on the promotion of the use of biofuels or other renewable fuels for […]
General Targets An EU Directive seeks to achieve the Union\’s energy efficiency target of 20% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels and to pave the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond that date. It includes a requirement for all Member States to set indicative national energy efficiency targets for 2020. The Directive promotes energy efficiency across the Union through a common framework of measures. They cover […]
Household Appliances The EU has made legislation in relation to the publication of information on energy consumption by household appliances. This enables consumers to choose appliances based on energy efficiency. The directive applies to household appliances even where sold for non-household uses including Refrigerators, Freezers, Washing machines, dryers, Dishwashers, Ovens, Water heaters and hot water storage appliances, Lighting sources, Air-conditioning appliances. Any such appliances offered […]