Country Report. Energy Efficiency Policies in Europe. Croatia

Transcription

1 Energy Efficiency Policies in Europe Analysis of National Energy Efficiency Action Plans and Policies in EU Member States 2014 Country Report Croatia Co-funded by the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme of the European Union

2 Key Points and Recommendations This report is one of 28 Country Reports published in 2015 by the Energy Efficiency Watch (EEW) project. It addresses 1) the current status of energy efficiency policy in Croatia after EU accession, based on the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) published in 2014 and other official documents 1, as well as 2) the feedback we received from our quantitative survey and expert interviews on how effective policy implementation actually is (see more at efficiency- watch.org). Based on these results, it also offers recommendations on how Croatia s sectoral and overall energy efficiency policies could be further improved. Overview of Findings According to the analysis of official documents, Croatia seems to have a solid foundation to foster energy efficiency in all sectors, with best conditions in the residential sector. The experts survey further shows that Croatia is among the Member States, which made medium progress in energy efficiency policies in recent years. Experts point out that in connection to the EU accession, additional measure have been introduced, however, some are still under development. Further harmonisation of EU legislation with national law remains a challenge for Croatia s energy efficiency policy in the future. Sectoral progress The sectoral progress of policies is as follows: Concerning the governance framework, the EED and the EPBD could trigger further energy efficiency improvements in the future. The Article 7 will be partly fulfilled by alternative measures, the introduction of an energy efficiency obligation scheme is planned. Currently, half of the experts think that the target under Article 7 of the EED cannot be met. In addition, the majority (62%) of experts believe that Croatia is lagging much behind in meeting the nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nzeb) standard for new buildings by An energy agency is in place (EPEEF). With regard to the public sector, a strategy and action plan ( ) is implemented and a number of measures to improve energy efficiency introduced. Energy efficiency is explicitly stated as a criterion in the Public Procurement Act, though further improvements and guideline developments are planned. A challenge concerning public procurement is a lack of national- level energy efficiency knowledge and capacity. Experts noted that there is more progress on energy efficiency at the regional and local level than at the national (e.g. systematic energy management in governmental buildings). One of the main drivers is that Croatian cities and municipalities recognised the EC Covenant of Mayors initiative as an excellent base for Energy Efficiency development. Based on expert interviews, renovation of buildings is progressing slowly. Though the target had been to renovate several hundred public buildings by 2012, only a few renovations have been realised so far. Numerous activities aim to improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings. Residential sector programmes, in particular the multi- family building programme, were noted as a positive development in Croatia. Experts stress that the funding programme has accelerated the renovation of buildings and the improvement of the energetic quality of heating systems. This also explains the high rating of experts concerning progress made in building renovation. 43% of experts see good and 55% some progress made. Energy efficiency requirements for renovation of buildings are in general ranked to be high by 50% of the experts. However, the 1 We abstain from the structure followed in the other country reports and do not indicate policy changes compared to 2011 by the document screening. As Croatia has entered the EU in July 2013, the country was not been covered by the EEW 2 assessment. In addition, the 2nd NEEAP has only been published in February

3 energy certification verification process was pointed out to be a weakness in the building sector. Regarding energy efficient appliances experts state that the National Fund for environmental protection and energy efficiency had two public tenders in 2015 for sub- financing purchases of Topten energy efficient appliances 2. Public interest was extremely high, and further tenders are planned for Ordinances on labelling of energy efficiency for households appliances are in force, however, enforcement, monitoring and verification are missing. Further revisions and harmonisation with EU Ecodesign requirements are planned. With regard to the industrial and service sector, the economic crisis negatively affected these sectors' ability to invest in energy efficiency. Despite the availability of funding programmes and improved awareness, experts see rather weak progress made. The service sector is assessed similarly. Barriers are missing information, knowledge (e.g. on cost- effectiveness of measures) and capacity issues. Large companies are required to perform energy audits by law and an incentive programme for small and medium sized companies is in place. The Smart Specialisation Strategy, which has been prepared for years and should soon be adopted, can support SMEs to partly overcome energy efficiency barriers. In the transport sector several measures have been implemented. However, according to the survey, similarly weak progress as in the industrial sector has been made. The public transport infrastructure is mentioned as being too weak (e.g. the train network is very poor and reliability is low). An incentive to switch the transport mode is the introduction of public bicycles in cities. Concerning technical and behavioural measures, Croatia has introduced e.g. new programmes to support hybrid electric vehicles and training for eco- driving. It was further reported that energy efficiency projects are generally limited to larger or more innovative cities. Recommendations Further improvements to the could be the following: Within the governance framework, an obligation scheme according to Article 7 of the EED is only planned and should be implemented. It is unclear how energy performance contracting measures were implemented. This should be described in detail. If there are only planned measures, a working plan should be developed to support energy performance contracting. In the public sector the Public Procurement Act should be further developed towards energy efficiency and guidelines quickly set. Training programmes to strengthen the knowledge and capacity in the public sector with respect to procurement and buildings need to be further strengthened, also to improve the absorption of available funds. Concerning the building sector, the quality insurance of issued Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) needs to be improved by additional controlling, training and introduction of penalties for misrepresentation. This could also improve the competitive position of companies focused on quality assurance, which are currently in an adverse position. The successful enforcement of EPC requires further explanation to the consumer by professionals, as well as support in design and specification of improvements. Trainings of all involved stakeholders as well as awareness rising measures are needed as a fist step to further develop the nzeb market in Croatia. With regard to appliances, further harmonisation with EU requirements will be necessary and the allocation of funds will be crucial. Having in mind that the European Commission plans to revise the Labelling Directive, further harmonisation will be a challenge. Due to crises and other barriers, industrial and service sector are largely underdeveloped. According to experts, implementation of measures in the industrial and service sectors is on a low level in Croatia. It is therefore necessary to develop a systematic approach for the promotion of energy efficiency (e.g. improving the extension of knowledge and capacity 2 More information on ten.com.hr 2

4 building networks, further offers of energy consulting as well as pilot projects), tied with the aim to increase the competitiveness of domestic industrial production. The transport sector could improve its energy efficiency policy through improving the public infrastructure in cities, further incentivising shifts to more energy efficient transportation modes. In the future, cities could, nationally supported, further address the development of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs). The importance of SUMPs are not recognised and a systematic transport planning is missing. A Fund for environmental protection and energy efficiency gained a great success in the past. Policy Developments according to Official Documents The next tables present the policies that are currently implemented in Croatia. The listed policies are the result of a document screening. The policies are listed as the result of a document screening. Primarily, the screening takes into account the second and third NEEAP as well as Article 4, 5 and 7 communications of the Energy Efficiency Directive to achieve meaningful results. The ODYSSEE- MURE database has also been a valuable source of information. The screening does not assess how well these policies are implemented and which results they achieve. Overarching Energy Efficiency Governance Framework Element of the Long- term EE target(s) and strategy Involvement of non- governmental and market actors, and sub- national authorities Energy agencies and climate protection agencies EE funds for overall coordination and funding of policies and measures EE obligation for overall schemes for overall coordination and funding of policies and measures National energy efficiency program ( ) is main strategic document Long- term strategy to stimulate investment in the reconstruction of Croatian building stock according to Article 4 of Directive 2012/27/EU in place Law on Energy Efficiency (OG 127/2014) entered into force in December 2014 High involvement of cities and counties to implement energy management systems Public- private partnerships currently rather underdeveloped Commercial financing institutions introduced green credit lines for implementation of EE measures (interests rates relatively high with around 6%) Pupils and students to be educated with relevant content in the future EPEEF acts as National Energy Efficiency Agency (see also below) together with Ministry of Economy 5 regional energy agencies are in place Additionally, Centre for Monitoring Business Activities in the Energy Sector and Investments (Centre) in place (e.g. provides expert support for strategic projects like public- private projects) Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund (EPEEF), financed by CO 2 emission fees imposed on industries (since Croatia s EU accession companies covered by the ETS scheme are excluded, revenues from aucting GHG emission units included) Article 7 of the EED will be partly fulfilled by alternative measures, the introduction of an energy efficiency obligation scheme is planned 3

5 Element of the Favourable framework conditions for energy services Energy taxation higher than EU minimum requirements Law on Energy Efficiency generally favors market development, but relevant sublaws are missing Decree on the energy performance contracting method and the implementation of energy performance contracts in the public sector has been adopted Responsible authority to stipulate energy performance contracts in place (CEI, since 2013 APN) Energy performance contracting to be promoted under energy renovation of public sector buildings programme (200 buildings to be renovated) Energy Efficient Public Lighting Programme implemented to stipulate the market White certificate scheme to be implemented Implementation status of measures partly unclear, conditions announced to be further improved in the future, e.g. by guaranteeing programmes to cover investment risks planned to be implemented No information on energy taxation given, but CO 2 emissions fee imposed on large emitters, except those involved in the EU ETS scheme R&D support No information found in screened documents Public Sector Element of the Public sector strategy Central Procurement Office has prepared a Strategy and Action Plan Systematic energy management in governmental buildings in place (covering cities and counties, including training, application of IT tools for monitoring); was developed within European GreenBuilding Programme in cooperation with UNEP), when joining the programme a memorandum that requires 5% energy reduction p.a. has to be signed ESCO financing models to be stipulated, e.g. by Energy Efficient Public Lighting programme Public procurement Energy efficiency is explicitly stated as a criteria in the Public Procurement Act, further inclusion of energy efficiency criteria is planned, guidelines to be developed Public buildings Energy renovation of public sector buildings programmes and (regulations and (co- )financing) to meet Article 3 requirements are in place; by means of privat capital and EPEEF co- financing renovation of approx. 200 buildings intended in period Renovation action plan to be drawn up by 2016 National plan to increase the number of nearly zero- energy buildings until 2020 prepared in December 2014 financial scheme, though planned, is not in place. R&D support No information found in screened documents Residential Sector Buildings Element of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) Building codes are in place, compliance with EPBD II requirements ongoing Obligation for nearly zero energy buildings to be implemented by

6 Element of the Other Regulation Grants, tax incentives Obligation of installing an individual metering system for co- owners introduced in 2014 based on the Heat Energy Market Act (buildings with more than 70 flats; should install individual metering systems until end of 2015, smaller ones until end of December 2016 Minimum requirements for construction products and technical systems of a building set To remove barrier to project implementation aid for the preparation of project documentation for building renovations is given, start in 2014 Financial incentives for individual thermal energy consumption metering system installation in place (buildings connected to district heating systems are covered) Integral multi- dwelling unit renovation incentives programme (units build before 1987 are targeted, project documentation necessary to get fiancial support, subsidy up to 50%), start in 2014 Incentives to improve outer envelopes of family homes and heating system replacement are given (2,000 houses assumed), start in 2014 Financing instruments No information found in screened documents. Energy performance Method, content, appearance and independent control regulated by Construction Act certificates (EPCs) and Ordinance on Energy Audits and Energy Certification Energy advice and audits EPCs for companies have been co- financed through EPEEF funds 17,400 energy performance certificates have been submitted (all sectors) (end of 2013) Regulations on energy audits (including heating and air- conditioning systems) are in place Financial incentives programme to conduct energy audits and energy certification of buildings is in place (mulit- dwelling units, subsidy from 40% to 80% depending on classification of local and regional governments according to level of development) Not clear in how far e.g. incentives programmes cover energy advise measures Information tools for Ministry for Construction and Spatial Planning introduced free of charge number to get investors and users information, besides no other information tool is in place. Information campaign with website and informative billing (energy diagnosis) planned Demonstration projects Demonstration projects are currelty not present Education and training for building professionals Accoroding to the energy efficiency education and training measure, construction sector workers and retailers to be trained in the future Education for energy auditors are in place Conditions and criteria to be met by energy auditors and for certification are set R&D support No information found in screened documents Residential Sector Appliances Element of the Minimum Energy MEPS are in place, revisions and futher harmonization with Ecodesign requirements is Performance Standards planned (MEPS) Economic incentives EPEEF co- financed purchase of high- efficiency appliances in year 2015 with approximately 1,000,000 HRK (approx. EUR 150,000) and plans to allocate double in 2016 Energy labels Required EU legislation is meet, EU Energy Labelling Directive implemented for seven groups of appliances Penal provisions for incorrectly labelled products, but monitoring of market not in force. First Ordinance entered into force in June 2005, but enforcement and verification is still missing 5

7 Element of the Information tools Education and training for retail staff and other supply chain actors Info campaigns and network of EE info centres at city and county administrations cover appliances, mostly EU financed (e.g. IEE TOPTEN, Buy Smart, etc.) There are currently 41 EE info offices in Croatia, 37 of which are city offices, and 4 are county offices Knowledge and skills of (construction sector) workers to be improved under energy efficiency education and training measure, start in 2014 R&D support No information found in screened documents Industry, Tertiary Sector, and Agriculture Element of the MEPS and other standards for equipment, production process, products Energy savings and action targets for individual companies Energy management systems and other obligations Economic incentives for investment Financial support for energy advice and audits Energy labelling MEPS are in place, revisions and further harmonisation with Ecodesign requirements is planned Not information on targets Industrial Energy Efficiency Network (IEEN) is in place, but has never been functioning. Energy audits and energy management obligation in large companies to be laid down in new act, financial support is also planned (measure is based on energy auditing scheme for industry mentioned in the 3 rd NEEAP) Industrial plants which are obliged to pay the CO 2 emissions fee can get partial exemption if EE measures and/or energy management structures are established Incentive programme for investments in solar heating systems and EE improvement actions in hotels is in place Energy renovation of commercial non- residential buildings (development of a detailed action plan included; focus: buildings constructed prior to 1987), start in 2014 Implementation in large companies to be promoted with a grant, has not been implemented yet, start in 2014 Financial support for energy audits for SME planned (including training) Required EU legislation is meet, EU Energy Labelling Directive implemented for seven groups of appliances R&D support No information found in the screened documents Transport Sector Element of the Planning instruments Developing an alternative fuel infrastructure ( ): Political framework is planned by mid (>implementation of EU- directive), afterwards national plan for the development of alternative fuels infrastructure will be developed. Promotion of integrated transport: 9,500 public city bikes by 2020 Car- sharing scheme: successive introduction of a minimum of 100 cars per year into the scheme in the largest cities 6

8 Element of the Regulatory instruments Intermodal freight transport Economic incentives Act on Combined Transport (2009): promoting combined transport e.g. by reductions of annual fee for public roads, exemptions from licences and quotas Speed limits (highways: 130 km/h; expressways in the city: 70 km/h, ordinary roads through villages: 50 km/h) and more stringent enforcement ( ) Installation of about 100 digital cameras Obligation for environmentally friendly heavy- duty vehicles procurement in public transportation sector At least 70% of leased or new bought vehicles or boats uses bio fuel mixed in diesel fuel or motor gasoline in the art of more than 5% or bio diesel in the form of pure bio fuel or biogas in the form of pure bio fuel or hybrid drive or electric drive or hydrogen Special tax charges for motor vehicles based on CO 2 emissions, type of fuel and other pollutants: not only for new cars, but also for existing passenger cars (will need to be amended) Financial incentives for energy efficient vehicles ( ) Incentives for retrofitting petrol powered vehicles into gas powered vehicles (proposed) Installation of devices for a more efficient utilisation of waste heat from the engine coolant once the engine is turned off (at least 1,000 vehicles/year until 2020) (proposed) Procurement of eco tires (27,000 vehicles until 2020) (proposed) Grants for purchase of 15,000 electric vehicles and 6,000 hybrid vehicles (until 2020) (proposed) Financial aid to buyers of aerodynamic equipment for 1,900 commercial vehicles (proposed) Special motor vehicle tax based on CO 2 emissions ( ): exemptions for electric vehicles, reductions for hybrid vehicles Bonus- malus scheme for vehicles with respect to CO 2 emissions: subsidies for vehicles with low CO 2 emissions, penalties for vehicles with high CO 2 emissions Information and advice National eco- driving campaign ( ): Training for at least 100 driving instructors and all 85 examiners (based on a single European eco- driving certificate) Objectives and target groups: minimum of 51,000 drivers of passenger cars, of 2,600 bus drivers and of 2,750 drivers of freight vehicles (>3,5t) (and not learner drivers) by 2016 Promotion of integrated transport: Educational activities and guidelines aiming at optimising city logistics and freight transport, guidelines for public parking spaces and parking fees taking into account the energy efficiency of passenger cars (only planned, but it has not been developed yet) Intelligent transport management ( ): Installation of smart traffic lights and visual indicators for the duration of the red light phase Campaign One day a month without a car : in return get cheap tickets on public transport, discounts for cultural and sport activities R&D support Participation in Clean Power project (Horizon 2020): objective is to establish guidelines for drawing up the national policy framework in regard to alternative fuel infrastructure Policy Developments according to the Expert Survey In order to provide a fuller picture on energy efficiency progress made, this chapter makes use of information gained through quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. For each country assessed in the EEW project, three experts were interviewed orally, while 48 national energy efficiency experts participated in the quantitative survey for Croatia. The experts work with the business sector, universities/research organisations, public sector or energy agencies. All findings 7

9 below are solely based on the assessments made by these experts. This also includes the country progress indicators, which helps to compare the progress across countries and policy fields. It was calculated from five relevant questions of the quantitative survey (see annex for the questionnaire), namely question 1 (ambition of energy efficiency policies), question 2 (progress in the last 3 years), question 4 (annual savings target), question 7 (NZEB target) and question 8 (improvements in key energy policy areas). The answers were weighted (the most positive answer by 100, the least positive one by 0). Croatia joined the European Union in 2013 and was thus not included in the survey carried out in Therefore no comparison to previous survey results is possible. Also, the implementation of the acquis communitaire resulted in a range of new energy efficiency policies which makes the situation relating to specific policies somewhat less comparable to other EU Member States. Croatia is among the Member States that has made medium progress in energy efficiency policies in the past three years (country progress indicator: 10 out of 28). The majority of the experts (62%) consider the overall ambition of the energy efficiency policies as moderately low in most sectors. However, 64% see that - also in connection to the EU accession - a range of or many additional policies were introduced. The complexity and quality of legislation as well as a lack of skills in the public and private sectors are among the critical issues mentioned by the experts. Positive developments include an increasing awareness of energy efficiency issues and the availability of funding schemes for energy efficiency. Croa]a: overall ambi]on of the energy efficiency policies 15% 4% Croa]a: progress of the energy efficiency policies in the last 3 years 13% 4% 19% 32% 62% 51% generally, rather low ambinous in a few sectors, less so in most others ambinous in a range of sectors, less so in a few others generally, rather high no or very liole progress a few addinonal policies a range of addinonal policies many addinonal policies Almost half of the experts think that the EED savings target (new savings of 1.5% of the annual energy sales to final consumers) is not likely to be achieved. The majority (62%) believes that Croatia is lagging much behind in meeting its obligation under the EPBD that all new buildings be "nearly Zero Energy Buildings" by

10 Croa]a: achievement of na]onal 1.5 % energy savings target (EED) Croa]a: on track towards the "nzeb" obliga]on 27% 25% 17% 21% 48% 62% not aware of this target target is likely not to be achieved target is likely to be achieved I don't know No, we are lagging much behind Yes, the implementanon is well underway Regarding the public sector, experts observe a lack of capacity in the field of energy efficiency as well as low progress in the renovation of buildings on national level. In the residential sector, positive developments are reported in building renovation and renewable energy heating, also thanks to the availability of funding programmes. Despite the availability of funding programmes, the economic crisis negatively affected the service and industry sectors' ability to invest in energy efficiency. For the transport sector, an increased interest in electric mobility and the availability of a funding programme was mentioned by the experts. Nevertheless, market development is still in an early stage. Croa]a: improvement in actual implementa]on Decreasing fuel poverty 40% 54% 6% Energy efficiency in transport 33% 60% 7% Energy efficiency in industry 30% 70% no progress Consideranon of energy efficiency in public purchasing Funcnoning of the energy service market 26% 25% 70% 67% 4% 8% some progress good progress Exemplary role of public buildings 6% 62% 32% Building renovanon 2% 55% 43% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% In terms of specific energy efficiency instruments, experts consider energy certification of buildings and national energy efficiency funds as the most effective in the Croatian context. Also, financial incentives for private households and energy efficiency requirements are perceived as effective. The 9

11 highest ratings for "not effective at all" are given to smart metering (43%), inspection of heating/air- conditioning systems (36%) and energy taxation (33%). Croa]a: effec]veness of different policy instruments Energy cernficanon of buildings Nanonal Energy Efficiency Funds Financial incennves for private households EE requirements for new buildings Energy labelling of products EE requirements for renovated buildings Financial incennves for SMEs Programmes for local energy planning Targeted advice for households Energy audits for companies Inspecnon heanng/air- condinoning systems Smart metering Energy taxanon 4% 36% 2% 2% 37% 4% 6% 36% 54% 7% 4% 39% 50% 4% 7% 48% 41% 2% 13% 50% 35% 4% 22% 57% 4% 23% 43% 7% 24% 58% 9% 25% 55% 2% 36% 53% 20% 43% 32% 33% 60% 59% 17% 30% 11% 11% 9% 33% 4% 30% 5% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% not implemented not effecnve at all partly effecnve very effecnve Business Stakeholders Point of View Within the EEW 3 project, workshops were conducted to gather feedback from business stakeholders on energy efficiency policy and their impact on the business community. In Croatia, a workshop took place on 12 th May 2015 in Zagreb. In total, 39 participants representing public institutions, private companies, universities as well as energy and development agencies took part. Recommendations made during the Croatian workshop are presented below: The Croatian business community demands a more precise and detailed translation of the EED into national legislation, for instance on how the 1.5% energy saving target is distributed among energy distributors and suppliers. A major problem with these laws and regulations is the incorrect translation into national law and incorrect drafting of regulations. Energy statistics on consumer level should be more detailed and accessible for every building - public and private sector. Consumers would be better informed about their habits and energy consumption, as well as about possibilities to reduce financial costs. The ESCO market should be defined and established (i.e. the conditions of the transfer of investment risks from public institutions to ESCO contractors should be clarified e.g. with guarantees of energy savings.) Currently, the ESCO market is still in its early stage in Croatia. Contracts should be better defined (e.g. by using templates), energy saving should not be estimated, but energy saving measurement should take place during the project lifecycle. Applications to tenders and grants for energy efficiency are usually only eligible for public institutions. There exists large potential for expanding these tenders to the private sector and private households. It is important to include all relevant stakeholders, as well as the final consumers in the process (policy makers, public institutions, private sector, general public). 10

12 Furthermore, all laws and regulations related to energy efficiency should be coordinated and coherent. Currently, large inconsistency between laws and regulations exists. Moreover, new and innovative financial mechanisms should be developed jointly by the Croatian Environment Protection, the Energy Efficiency Fund, commercial banks and public- private partnerships. The business community also highlights green public procurement as a good way to encourage local producers and the economy. Good Practices A good example of a project that began locally and due to the excellent results ended up nationally is the project I can have solar collectors too!. It was initiated in 2009 by the North- west Croatia Regional Energy Agency and was implemented in three North- west Croatia counties: Karlovac, Krapina- zagorje and Zagreb. The primary mission of the project is to create a sustainable financing model for supporting investments in renewable energy sources, and it represents the first project in Croatia which provides subsidies directly paid to citizens for using RES, specifically solar collectors, in their households. The main sources of funding were obtained through counties and the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund budgets. An intensive media campaign was conducted and public interest was impressive. The project received international recognition through the ManagEnergy Local Action Award in 2011 and the European Solar prize award in As time passed, more and more Croatian counties as well as cities and municipalities established the same sustainable financing model in theirs territories. The scope of projects to fund grew including the utilisation of other RES as well as the sustainable energy renovation of family houses and multi- residential buildings. Recognizing the exceptional potential of such financing model, the government of Croatia adopted two National programmes based on the main principles of the initial project: Programmes of energy renovation of family houses and multi- residential buildings for the period from 2014 to Programmes are carried out through the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund. Implementation of RES and RUE measures in households can be subsidized up to 80% of eligible costs, depending on the location of the applicant. Year after year the public interest has been growing rapidly, and from around 160 measures implemented in 2009, more than 10,000 different RES and RUE measures have been successfully implemented in Croatian households by December

13 Disclaimer The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union. Neither the EASME nor the European Commission are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. The analysis performed here is based almost exclusively on the information provided in the NEEAPs. Consequently, a low score for any of the criteria analysed could also be the result of a NEEAP lacking detailed information. Furthermore for some countries, national experts were consulted to review the reports. However, experts were not available for every country report and a full analysis of the policies and measures was only possible for a limited number of reports. The purpose of this assessment is not an absolute policy overview among Member States but is focusing on each Member State s individual conditions. The Project The Energy Efficiency Watch Project aims to facilitate the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive but also related policies like the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the Ecodesign (ErP) Directive on the national, but also on the regional and local level. This country report shows the progress made in implementation of national energy efficiency policies identified via a screening of NEEAPs and an extensive EU wide expert survey. efficiency- watch.org The Authors Stefan Thomas, Felix Suerkemper, Thomas Adisorn, Dorothea Hauptstock, Carolin Schäfer- Sparenberg, Lena Tholen, Florin Vondung (Wuppertal Institute) Daniel Becker, Lucie Tesniere, Charles Bourgault, Sonja Förster (Ecofys) Christiane Egger (OÖ Energiesparverband) with contributions by Reinhold Priewasser (University of Linz), Nils Borg (eceee), Dominique Bourges (Fedarene), Peter Schilken (Energy Cities), Velimir Šegon (REGEA), Julije Domac (REGEA) List of Abbreviations EE Energy Efficiency, EED Energy Efficiency Directive, EPC Energy Performance Certificates, EPBD Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, ESCO Energy Service Company, EU European Union, EEW Energy Efficiency Watch, MEPS Minimum Energy Performance Standards, MURE Mesures d Utilisation Rationelle de l Energie, NEEAP National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, nzeb nearly Zero Energy Buildings, R&D Research and Development 1