Country Report. Energy Efficiency Policies in Europe. Estonia

Transcription

1 Energy Efficiency Policies in Europe Analysis of National Energy Efficiency Action Plans and Policies in EU Member States 2014 Country Report Estonia 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 changes in policies implemented since 2011 by EU Member States (MS) and their plans, based on the National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAPs) published in 2014 and other official, as well as 2) the feedback that was received from the 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 Estonia s sectoral and overall energy efficiency policies could be further improved. Overview of Findings In Estonia, all sectors have implemented s to address energy efficiency; hence energy efficiency improvements take place in all sectors. Estonian experts agree that the public sector, the residential sector (with a focus on buildings), the industry sector and the transport sector make only some progress. Concerning Article 7 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), Estonia has decided to introduce an energy efficiency obligation scheme (EEO) in combination with alternative measures. However, there are still only plans to implement an obligation scheme. The alternative policies are based on an energy and CO 2 tax and funding schemes in several sectors. Buildings and industry are a priority for energy efficiency improvements and are characterised by a comprehensive including financial incentives, regulatory measures and information campaigns. In other sectors, most of the policies are ongoing. Several planned measures exist, however they have not been implemented yet. Furthermore some policy gaps exist, which should be addressed with appropriate policies and measures. For example, the for appliances is not balanced and the market for energy service companies (ESCOs) does not yet function very well. 53% of the Estonian experts interviewed, mentioned that the ESCO market makes no progress. Sectoral Progress The sectoral progress of policies is as follows: The governance framework is structured by the National Reform Programme Estonia 2020 and the National Development Plan for the Energy Sector until Other national strategies and plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions especially in the building sector were abandoned in 2012 and Furthermore, the Climate and Energy Agency (KENA) is not in place anymore. Concerning the implementation of Article 7 of the EED, Estonia has plans to introduce an energy efficiency obligation scheme in combination with alternative measures. However, programmes to enhance the energy service market were implemented. The Estonian financing institution KredEx supports several energy efficiency measures. In the public sector some municipalities have drawn up sustainable energy plans and the government plans to make them mandatory for every municipality. There are requirements to purchase products based on energy efficiency specifications (Public Procurement Act). KredEx prepares guidelines for nearly Zero Energy Building (nzeb) design. In public buildings, energy audits and Energy Performance Certificates are mandatory. The building sector is influenced by energy efficiency requirements and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). These EU measures are supported by large soft loans and financial incentive programmes. All measures are ongoing. The aim is to renovate 2.9 million m 2 of residential space by In the last years, Estonia introduced a qualification system for building professionals and energy auditors and supports information and education campaigns. All Estonian experts agree that the building renovation makes good progress. 1

3 To increase the energy efficiency of appliances, mainly EU Directives were implemented. A sustainable energy week and some other information campaigns inform consumers about energy efficient products. The for appliances was not improved since The policy for the industry and tertiary sectors is rather well balanced. Voluntary Agreements have been in use since 1999 and information campaigns provide companies with materials on energy conservation. A financial incentive programme was introduced with the third NEEAP to support innovative solutions. The research and development (R&D) activities in the industry sector are comprehensive but did not change or improve in the last years. Most measures in the transport sector are only planned. The transport plan was extended for the period All other programmes are ongoing such as energy conservation criteria in public procurement, mandatory speed limits and mandatory technical inspections. The Green Investment Scheme supports energy efficient busses and trams. Information and advice programmes are also ongoing. Recommendations Further improvements to the could be the following: Many targets were introduced for the period until 2013 but no further strengthening or continuation of these targets was envisaged. Only the development plan and the reform programmes are ongoing. An energy efficiency obligation scheme is planned, but there are no concrete plans for implementation. This should be done as a first step. Furthermore, the Climate and Energy Agency (KENA) was closed. A new national energy agency should be established to structure and organise the energy efficiency processes. The energy efficiency funds should better support energy measures and requirements (for example to reach the building requirements). The energy service market is still not very developed in Estonia. All in all, there is still room for improvements in the governance framework. In the public sector there are plans to make energy action plans mandatory for municipalities. This should be realised. Public procurement processes are characterised by guidelines and requirements for energy efficiency. These requirements could be strengthened. In addition, there are currently only plans to construct nzeb. Within the building sector some financial incentive schemes and information campaigns were implemented. However, a large number of single- family houses need renovation but they are not eligible for support. In addition, the programmes could be speeded up. Furthermore, education and training for professionals should be improved. The in the appliance sector is not very balanced. Economic incentives, a voluntary labelling scheme, education and training programmes and large information campaigns are missing. Appliances seem to have a low priority in Estonia. Only EU requirements such as the Ecodesign Directive were implemented. In the transport sector, the progress is slow, especially in terms of planning and taxation (e.g. to encourage possibilities to walk and cycle, CO 2 taxation). The planned measures should be implemented. Existing policies, like information programmes, could be further improved. The government has not yet targeted this sector sufficiently. Policy Developments according to Official Documents The next tables present 1) the policies that were implemented in 2011 in Estonia and 2) the policy changes after 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. Depending on the quality of information given in the official it has been analysed whether policies have been ongoing, 2

4 abandoned/weakened or improved. It was not possible to assess how well these policies are implemented and which results they achieve. The changes in the policy design are illustrated with the following symbols: - means that the measure is ongoing without significant changes, - shows that the policy is new, - illustrates a policy that was abandoned, - ý shows a policy that is ongoing but that was weakened significantly, - þ presents a policy that is ongoing but that was improved significantly. 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 scheme for overall coordination and funding of policies and measures National Reform Programme Estonia 2020 sets targets for 2015 and 2020 National Development Plan of the Energy Sector until 2020 describes the situation of the energy sector and future perspectives Estonian Housing Plan National Strategic Reference Framework is implemented through 3 operational programmes (development of human resources, development of the living environment, development of the economic environment) Energy Efficiency Plan was prepared for the implementation of the Development Plan (sets priorities) National programme for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions ( ) Cooperations with the government and companies Climate and Energy Agency (KENA) Regional energy agency Tartu and Tallin Energy Agency are established (KREA) KredEx financial service helps enterprises to increase energy efficiency There are plans to establish national funds Obligations for energy companies to encourage energy conservation in final consumption: Ministry of Environment has voluntarily entered into contracts with seven companies The Reform Programme and the Development Plan are ongoing The timeline of the other plans and strategies has expired / The Housing Plan is under revision The cooperation is ongoing KENA is closed KREA, Tallin Energy Agency and KredEx are ongoing Estonian Energy Fund Estonia has plans to implement a comprehensive energy efficiency obligation scheme but plans to make use of the scheme in addition to alternative measures (taxes and funding schemes) 3

5 Element of the Favourable framework conditions for energy services Energy taxation higher than EU minimum requirements R&D support The market for energy services is limited. Public private partnerships are listed as energy services In recent years excises on duties have increased Estonian Energy Technology Programme sets out priorities in the energy sector and provides information to decision- makers Studies were carried out to analyse the residential sector (especially buildings) and other topics A system of professional qualification has been developed to create a network of specialists offering energy services Estonia plans to support energy audits to stimulate the market for energy services (under preparation) ongoing New energy action plan ENMAK was started to be prepared from 2012 No information on development regarding the Energy Technology Programme and the Studies carried out to analyse the residential sector Public Sector Element of the Public sector strategy Public procurement Some local authorities have drawn up sustainable energy plans Regional and local information centres on energy efficiency. Main activities are energy management, awareness rising, cooperation activities The public sector constantly informs the public of its role and activities (via websites) Obligations for state authorities to have bulding managers Informing local authorities officials of regulation on energy performance of buildings Requirements to purchase products based on lists of energy- efficient product specifications of different categories Guidelines to consider energy conservation criteria Website of the Ministry of Environment on sustainable public procurement Provision of training and distribution of information material þ Energy Action Plans at least for district heating for municipalities are planned to made mandatory for municipalities The information centres and the information via websites are ongoing The obligations for state authorities is ongoing The regulation on informing local authorities officials was updated in 2012 and is in force from 2013 All measures are ongoing. There is an appointment of central energy performance contracting authorities for public procurement Procurement processes are governed by the Public Procurement Act. It includes new features to enable to account competences and experience as bidding criteria in addition to cost KredEx will organise a public procurement procedure to prepare guidelines for nearly zero energy buildings design, tendering and construction which the private sector can use as design option 4

6 Element of the Public buildings State Assets Act: Energy Audits are required in public buildings including implementation of cost- effective recommendations Reconstruction of central and local government buildings. State Real Estate Limited organised investments for the reconstruction of 540 public buidlings Targets for 2015 to construct nearly zero energy buildings Public sector buildings of a certain size are required to have an EPC R&D support No information found in the screened The energy audits and the EPCs are still mandatory. The EPC system is fully applied / The targets for buildings are under construction The Reconstruction programme was abandoned No information found in the screened Residential Sector Buildings Element of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) Other Regulation Grants, tax incentives Energy performance requirements for new buildings and major renovation It is mandatory to provide advice on hot water boilers and heating systems Inspections of boilers Subsidy scheme grants investment support of 15-35% of project costs for renovation of apartment buildings. Level increases with the estimated energy savings Tax incentive for building renovation Grants for preparing construction projects and for supervision of energy efficient renovation Financing instruments Soft loans (a KredEx programme) have been available for renovation of apartment buildings since In 2009 and 2010, loans of approx. EUR 16.4 million were granted Energy performance certificates (EPCs) EPCs are required whenever a building of part of it is sold or leased Public sector buildings of a certain size are required to have an EPC The MEPS are ongoing and tightened regularly The measures are ongoing The subsidy scheme is ongoing. New KredEx renovation grants are from 15 to 40%, that is direct financial support from total eglible renovation cost, applies for pre 1990 apartment buildings. The aim is to achieve energy savings in reconstructed buildings at the average estimated rate of 45% by Target: renovate 2.9 million m 2 of residential space in 2022, KredEx Scheme includes 50% support for energy audit, design and supervision The tax incentive and the grants for preparation construction projects are ongoing for young people / Support scheme for small residential buildings was run between but is now closed The Soft Loans are ongoing The EPCs are still mandatory 5

7 Element of the Energy advice and audits Subsidy for energy audits The subsidy and the mandatory provision of advice for acquiring HVAC equipment are ongoing Information tools for investors and users Mandatory provision of advice to customers when they acquire HVAC equipment Development of an Energy Audit Method Provision of know- how and further training to energy auditors Programme for raising awareness of energy performance of buildings for bulding occupants Annual energy weeks are organised Information campaigns for energy efficient renovation of residential buildings (KredEx activity) with goal to disseminate efficiency related information on apartment buildings free of charge Demonstration projects Targets for 2015 to construct nearly Zero Energy Buildings Education and training Drawing up and implementation of the for building action plan for training construction professionals labour (Build- up skill project) R&D support No information found in the screened The Energy Audit method was developd, Provision of know- how ended Launching and development of a system for granting qualification to energy auditors. Requirements for persons applying for qualifications The Ministry of Education and Research organises the development of an integral and structured professional qualification system Awareness raising programmes, annual energy weeks and information campaigns are ongoing Electricity Market Act (EMA) lays down ground for metering and requirements for electricity bills. Technical requirements for metering devices are specified in the Grid Code An information exchange platform is in use for the purpose of transmitting metering data Drawing up instructions and/or regulations on application of individual cost calculation No information on changes or additional measures The project is ongoing No information found in the screened Residential Sector Appliances Element of the Minimum Energy The Ecodesign Directive was No information on changes or additional Performance Standards (MEPS) implemented. measures. Economic incentives No information found in the screened No information found in the screened Energy labels The EU Energy Label is in place No information on changes or additional according to EU Directive 2010/30/EC. measures. Information tools Regional and local information centres on energy efficiency (REC) with awareness raising campaigns Three regional centres were set up. Services are info days, energy analysis, sustainable energy week Drawing up instructions and/or regulations on application of individual cost calculation 6

8 Element of the Education and training No information found in the screened for retail staff and other supply chain actors R&D support Each year, the government carries out surveys on the energy consumption of households No information found in the screened The surveys are not ongoing 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 The Ecodesign Directive was implemented. Voluntary Agreements have been in use since 1999, it is a contract between public administration and industry in which the company agrees to achieve a certain environmental and/or energy efficiency objective Development and dissemination of information materials on energy conservation for energy companies Regional and local information centre on energy efficiency. Main activities are energy management, cooperation between private and public sector and awareness raising campaigns Development and provision of training events on energy conservation to increase energy management competences of enterprises No information found in the screened Development and provision of training for energy auditors (planned) Financial support for energy audits of industries (planned) Energy labelling The EU Energy Label is in place according to EU Directive 2010/30/EC. No information on changes or additional measures. The Voluntary Agreements are ongoing. The same is true for the dissemination of information material and the information centres. No information on developments regarding the training events Energy and resource efficiency of companies accomplish greater energy and resource efficiency in industry through the introduction of novel solutions. 30 companies will have benefited by 2018, 150 companies by 2020, and 300 companies by 2022 The development and provision of training for energy auditors are still in the preparation phase All enterprises involved with energy audits must possess a contractual obligation with a professionally qualified energy auditor and currently registered in the Register of Economic Activities. A list of enterprises involved in energy audits is available online. No information on changes or additional measures. 7

9 Element of the R&D support Competence centres with platform for cooperation between the enterprise sector and institutions for higher education Support for the involvement of innovation staff: Government supports companies in hiring R&D specialists for a period of 36 month Innovation voucer: SMEs can be supported in getting better access to specialists Technology support in industrial enterprises All measures are ongoing Transport Sector Element of the Planning instruments Regulatory instruments Transport Development Plan ( ), including: More efficient urban planning, e.g. construction of bicycle roads in bigger cities, priority development of public transport (planned) Create a national public transport planning system (planned) Development of railway network (planned) Renewal of public transport rolling stock, all passenger trains are replaced (planned) Electric Mobility Programme: construction of charging infrastructure; grant scheme to support purchasing electric cars; electric cars to the employees of the Ministry of Social Affairs) Public Procurement Act: energy conservation criteria in public procurements Introduction of bigger trucks (planned) Development of standard energy performance certificates for passenger vehicles (planned) Mandatory speed limit Periodic mandatory technical inspection of vehicles Economic incentives Free parking for electric cars Green investment scheme for the development of public transport (implemented): investments in energy efficient and environmentally friendly buses and trams Transport Development Plan ( ) Renewal of public transport rolling stock (planned) / Electric Mobility Programme ( ) Public Procurement Act Introduction of bigger trucks (proposed) Development of standard energy performance certificates for passenger vehicles (proposed) Mandatory speed limit Periodic mandatory technical inspection of vehicles Free parking for electric cars Green investment scheme 8

10 Element of the Information and advice R&D support Information campaigns promoting NMV (car free day) Energy labelling standards for passenger cars (EU- measure) Mobility information system for planning trips with public transport ( Development of multimodal transport (compare European intellegent transport systems (ITS)) (planned) New study programme in the Tallinn University of Technology: integrated transport management Eco- driving courses in driving schools National programmes supporting devisal of sustainable transport technologies and development of new technologies (planned) Introduction of transport based on electricity, hydrogen and hybrid technology and increasing their share (planned) Car- free day Energy labelling standards for pasenger cars Mobility information system for planning trips with public transport ( ) Development of multimodal transport systems (ITS) ý New study programme: integrated transport management (proposed) Information and training on energy efficient driving: Eco- driving courses in driving schools National programms supporting devisal of sustainable transport technologies and development of new technologies (proposed) Introduction of transport based on electricity, hydrogen and hybrid technology and increasing their share (proposed) 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 15 national energy efficiency experts participated in the quantitative survey for Estonia. The experts work with the business sector, universities/research organisations, public sector or energy agencies. All findings 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). In the opinion of Estonian experts, Estonia is among those Member States that have progressed very well since the second NEEAP (country progress indicator: 3 out of 28). The rate of progress was similar as in the three preceding years (2012 survey: country progress indicator: 3 out of 27). Experts consider the overall ambition of energy efficiency policies as very high. 86% consider it at least ambitious in a range of sectors among the highest ratings in the EU and a large increase since the previous survey in % saw the introduction of a range or many additional policies in the last 3 years (the highest rating of all Member States). Among the positive developments reported is that investments in different sectors in energy efficiency improvements have started to take place, including building renovation. Moreover, the understanding of the economic benefits of energy efficiency has improved in the public sector. It is, however, clear that investments need to be significantly increased. 9

11 Estonia: overall ambi`on of the energy efficiency policies Estonia: progress of the energy efficiency policies in the last 3 years 13% 20% 53% 33% 6 generally, rather low ambiious in a few sectors, less so in most others ambiious in a range of sectors, less so in a few others generally, rather high no or very lijle progress a few addiional policies a range of addiional policies many addiional policies The EED savings target (new savings of 1.5% of the annual energy sales to final consumers) is not well known among the Estonian experts, however, those who are aware of it think it is likely to be achieved. At the time of the survey, there were no specific plans to introduce an energy efficiency obligation scheme (Article 7 EED). Two thirds of all interviewees think that Estonia is on track to meet its obligation that all new buildings be nearly Zero Energy Buildings by 2020 (EPBD). Estonia: achievement of na`onal 1.5 % energy savings target (EED) Estonia: on track towards the "nzeb" obliga`on 14% 4 53% 65% 21% not aware of this target I don't know target is likely not to be achieved target is likely to be achieved No, we are lagging much behind Yes, the implementaion is well underway A renovation fund has triggered positive and noticeable market developments in the residential sector (Estonia has the highest progress indicator of all EU countries in this sector). However, 10

12 renovation rates still need to increase significantly, according to the experts, especially for single- family homes. Experts report that the market for energy efficiency services does not yet function very well. They call for support to ESCOs in developing and implementing energy efficiency projects, e.g. in the form of information and possibly guarantees. There is a significant need for action in the transport sector, including the conversion to car fleets with lower consumption. Estonia: improvement in actual implementa`on Funcioning of the energy service market 53% 4 Consideraion of energy efficiency in public purchasing 20% 73% Decreasing fuel poverty Energy efficiency in transport 20% 20% 73% 73% no progress some progress Exemplary role of public buildings 14% 72% 14% good progress Energy efficiency in industry 14% 65% 21% Building renovaion 40% 60% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% In terms of specific energy efficiency policy instruments, energy efficiency requirements for new and renovated buildings (rated at least partly effective by 100% and 93% of experts respectively - among the highest ratings of all Member States), energy certification of buildings and energy labelling of products (both 93 % at least partly effective) are seen as the most effective by the Estonian experts. The highest ratings for "not effective at all" are given to the inspection of heating/air- conditioning systems (5) and smart metering (50%) - both are among the lowest ratings of all Member States. 11

13 Estonia: effec`veness of different policy instruments EE requirements for new buildings EE requirements for renovated buildings Energy cerificaion of buildings Energy labelling of products Targeted advice for households Programmes for local energy planning Energy taxaion Financial incenives for private households Energy audits for companies Naional Energy Efficiency Funds Smart metering Financial incenives for SMEs Inspecion heaing/air- condiioning systems 5 50% 72% 79% 21% 14% 14% 36% 36% 29% 21% 36% 21% 14% 50% 50% 29% 43% 43% 21% 14% 65% 72% 36% 21% 36% 21% 50% 29% 14% 29% 21% 29% 5 14% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% not implemented not effecive at all partly effecive very effecive Good Practices According to the experts, Estonia makes good progress in the industry and building sector. Here some promising policies exist. In 2010, the state- owned financing institution KredEx started to implement grants, covering 15-35% of the total costs for renovation projects. To obtain a grant of 15%, an apartment building must achieve energy savings of at least 20% (net area of maximum 2000 m 2 ) and at least 30% in apartment buildings with a closed net area of more than 2000 m 2. An apartment shall achieve at least the requirements of energy label E after the renovation. To obtain a grant of 25%, the apartment must achieve the already mentioned terms. In addition, the heating system must be reconstructed, the façade must be insulated, the windows must be replaced and the roof must be insulated. To participate, energy savings of at least 40% must be achieved (and fulfil the requirements of energy label D). To obtain a 35% grant, the apartment must again fulfil all the above- mentioned terms. In addition, a ventilation system must be installed with heat return, achieving at least 50% of energy savings (label C). The Odyssee Mure database calculates future energy savings for the period of 1051 GWh or PJ 1. In the industry sector, voluntary agreements are in place since Companies sign a contract with the government to achieve defined energy efficiency objectives. The company usually takes an obligation to reduce its polluting emissions, promote the best available technologies, or implement an energy management system. The government provides information related to its specific activity and involves the company in the development of relevant legislation 2. Another promising measure in the industry sector is the programme Energy and Resource Efficiency of Companies. The aim is to enhance energy efficiency in companies by supporting innovative solutions. The target is to address 30 companies by 2018, 150 companies by 2020 and 300 companies by Calculated future energy savings are: 2015: 6 GWh 1 Odyssee Mure (2014): EST 19: Support for energy efficient renovation of apartment buildings 2 Odyssee Mure (2011): EST 3: Voluntary Agreements 12

14 2016: 19 GWh 2017: 32 GWh 2018: 45 GWh 2019: 134 GWh 2020: 223 GWh The total amount of investment will be EUR million during the period see Article 7 notification Analysis of the options for implementing Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU 13

15 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) 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