Energy Efficiency

In a nutshell the concept of energy efficiency may be defined as using less energy to satisfy our current needs. In other words it means having a more efficient way of using energy which enables us to keep the same comfort while consuming less energy. This necessity to use energy more efficiently is at the top the Trias Energetica concept.

According to this concept, a sustainable energy strategy should be organized around three elements which are by order of importance:

reduce energy demand as much as possible,
use renewable sources of energy,
use fossil energy as efficiently as possible and only if sustainable sources are inadequate.

Therefore, measures to use energy as efficiently as possible should then be the priority of any sustainable energy strategy. Glass for Europe fully supports this view and the priorities as flat glass manufacturers develop both energy-efficient glazing and glass for application in solar-energy .

A clear focus on buildings

Considering that 40% of Europe's CO₂ emissions originate from buildings, Glass for Europe is pushing for a more ambitious and pervasive energy efficiency policy in Europe with a clear focus on buildings. Building renovation in particular should be the central point of attention since existing buildings make up the overwhelming majority of all buildings and their refurbishment rate is as low as 1.4%.

Glass products have a great role to play in reducing the energy consumption of buildings. In fact, figures from the independent Dutch scientific Institute TNO show that:

44% OF EUROPE'S BUILDINGS ARE STILL SINGLE-GLAZED
OVER 85% OF INEFFICIENT GLAZING IN EUROPE'S BUILDINGS
100 MILLION TONNES OF CO₂ COULD BE SAVED ANNUALLY IF EUROPE'S BUILDINGS WERE EQUIPPED WITH ENERGY-SAVING GLASS.

That is why, EUROPE'S BUILDINGS URGENTLY NEED NEW WINDOWS !

Glass for Europe and the other Energy Efficiency Stakeholders

Altough Energy efficiency is a very fashionable concept in today's politics, it is not receiving the right level of attention that it deserves to Glass for Europe's opinion. This feeling is shared by many other European stakeholders. In order to promote ambitious and robust energy efficiency policies across Europe, Glass for Europe is taking part to several coalitions oriented toward this shared goal.

Glass for Europe is a 'core member' of the informal grouping at EU level called the Energy Efficiency Industrial Forum (EEIF). EEIF is composed of European associations representing industries active in the field of energy efficiency such as insulation manufacturers, lamp companies, cogeneration companies, etc. Together, EEIF members share the belief that Europe is not on track to reach its 20% energy saving target by the year 2020 and call for effective and innovative policies for energy efficiency in Europe.

EEIF 5Cs for Energy Efficiency

Glass for Europe is also a founding member of the Coalition for Energy Savings a gathering of 19 environment and social NGOs, business and professional associations which purpose is to make the case for greater political emphasis on energy efficiency and energy savings. All participants stongly believe that energy savings and efficiency is the most accessible tool at the EU's disposal to address both its short and long term economic, social and environmental challenges.

Business and NGOs unite to triple efforts on energy savings and efficiency

The Coalition Open letter to President Barroso

Energy Saving Press Campaign

To learn more on Glass for Europe's advocacy of energy efficiency, please visit our Statements and Publications webpage.