Country Report. Energy Efficiency Policies in Europe. Austria

Transcription

1 Energy Efficiency Policies in Europe Analysis of National Energy Efficiency Action Plans and Policies in EU Member States 2014 Country Report Austria 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 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 Austria s sectoral and overall energy efficiency policies could be further improved. Overview of Findings Austria has a federal structure and nine regions that are fairly autonomous. Therefore, policies to increase energy efficiency were implemented at national and regional level. Not every region has the same ambition to address energy efficiency. Some regions, such as Upper Austria, are making very positive steps and other regions do not see energy efficiency as a high priority. That is why it is difficult to assess Austria as a whole. According to the national experts, Austria is among the Member States that have progressed well since the second NEEAP. The country decided to implement an energy efficiency obligation scheme according to Article 7 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). However, the implementation has just begun and there is no impact yet to report. Furthermore, the Energy Efficiency Act was developed to fulfil the requirements of the EED. Austria plans that all new buildings and all major renovations will be built as nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nzeb) until In terms of building renovation, there is a national funding programme that stimulates building activities in the residential sector. The majority of national experts underlines these efforts: More than 90% of the experts think that Austria makes some or good progress in building renovation. They also rated efficiency requirements for new buildings as one the most effective policies. In the industry sector, energy efficiency seems to become a normal business practice for a significant number of companies. However, energy prices are still very low (energy taxation is seen as not effective at all by 40% of the experts) and the remaining investment opportunities have long payback periods. That is why 70% of the national experts agree that Austria made only some progress in this sector. The transport sector is still a weak sector due to minimal implementation of EU directives and lacking integration of spatial planning. 40% of the experts mentioned that Austria does not make progress in this field. Sectoral Progress The sectoral progress of policies is as follows: As part of the overarching governance framework, an energy efficiency target was established. In 2014, the National Energy Efficiency Act was passed to fulfil the requirements of the EED. Concerning Article 7, a decision to introduce an energy efficiency obligation scheme (EEO) has been made. The EEO shall be established in combination with alternative measures. Due to the federal structure, the National Energy Agency AEA and regional energy agencies are the main actors to implement energy efficiency measures. Austria is very active to increase the energy service market. The existing measures are all ongoing. New measures are primarily implemented at national level, such as networking activities, information campaigns and energy performance contracting programmes. In the public sector, various comprehensive measures contribute to energy efficiency improvements such as the procurement of energy efficient products and energy performance contracting. The Federal Energy Efficiency Act includes the 3% renovation target for government buildings. Some regions have set up their own programmes for 1

3 energy- efficient procurement and public buildings. An overall strategy and targets for the public sector are missing. Energy- efficient buildings are addressed through energy efficiency requirements and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), but also through national and regional programmes. One key programme is the Residential Building Subsidies, in which subsidies are paid in the form of grants and/or allowances by the regional governments. Another financial incentive programme is the Austrian Federal Government s renovation drive. In addition to these programmes, several measures were implemented in the regions. For example, building- related measures were introduced with the Lower Austrian Climate and Action programme. Existing and ongoing measures are energy consulting programmes and local information campaigns. The for appliances is characterised by the EU Ecodesign Directive and the EU Energy Label. The klima:aktiv campaign as well as several regional energy agencies organise information campaigns. The online database topprodukte.at still exists. There are some additional efforts at regional level. All measures are ongoing, no further improvements have been made. The industry and tertiary sector made some progress in the last years but most of the measures are ongoing. At national level, the main activity is the Federal Energy Efficiency Act, together with a thermal building renovation programme for enterprises, a support programme for energy efficiency investments, several klima:aktiv activities, and financial support for energy services and audits. Large companies are required to introduce an energy management system starting in The regions implemented additional policies. For example, Upper Austria developed green energy clusters to increase the innovative capacity and competitiveness of companies. Some regions offer subsidised advisory services and additional investment subsidies. New programmes are the building measures from Lower Austria. In the transport sector, all measures continue and only a few measures were newly developed. In 2012, a new overall transport plan for Austria was implemented. At national level, the newly developed Lower Austrian Electro mobility Strategy was implemented for the period Ongoing regulatory measures are speed limits and parking space management. Financial support is given for vehicles with efficient propulsion systems. In Lower Austria, subsidies for electro mobility were implemented in 2014 with a budget of EUR 2 million per year. Most taxation systems are ongoing, only the standard fuel consumption tax was improved. It is however, not linked to fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions. The klima:aktiv information campaign was extended. The integration of spatial planning with transportation planning is lacking. Recommendations Further improvements to the could be the following: The governance framework includes an energy efficiency obligation scheme, which still needs to be implemented well. A major barrier for energy efficiency improvements are low energy prices. Experts gave the highest rating for not effective at all to energy taxation. This should be addressed by policy makers. The role of the energy agencies should be strengthened, as well. The law that includes a 3% renovation target in the public sector for central, national- level government buildings only encourages the regional level to reach at the target. This would better be formulated as an obligation. The for buildings is very comprehensive and the financial incentive programme for new buildings is very effective. However, in the past few years, several regional governments introduced barriers that have hindered programme implementation. Participation in these programmes should be facilitated. 2

4 Appliances are targeted by EU measures. The effectiveness of the EU energy label in promoting energy- efficient appliances would be improved by economic incentives to increase the energy efficiency of energy- using products and a programme to support education and training for retail staff. The transport sector only implements minimal EU requirements. Most of the measures are still ongoing. The sector seems to be of low priority in Austria. The integration of spatial planning with transportation planning would be important. The public transport system outside Vienna is not very effective and should be improved. Policy Developments according to Official Documents The next tables present 1) the policies that were implemented in 2011 in Austria 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, 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 An energy efficiency target was formulated Voluntary agreements were concluded with energy distributors, energy sales companies, etc. Austrian Climate Strategy was established with regard to Kyoto targets Voluntary agreements were concluded with energy distributors, energy sales companies, etc. Many policies and measures are implemented at national level, like MEPS, information campaigns, education programmes, advice, audits etc. National Energy Agency (AEA) established as a competence center for energy Regional and local energy agencies Climate and Energy Fund with a budget of EUR 150 million pa to increase energy efficiency and intensify research Austria has established a national target in accordance with Art. 3 and 4 EED Austria passed a national energy efficiency act in 2014 The VAs and the Climate Strategy are ongoing The VAs are ongoing The AEA and the regional agencies still exists The Climate and Energy Fund is ongoing In the regions there are subsidies like the Eco fund of Styria available 3

5 Element of the EE obligation scheme for overall coordination and funding of policies and measures Favourable framework conditions for energy services Energy taxation higher than EU minimum requirements Federal property contracting programme (BIC) to pursue the aim of reducing the energy consumption of federal buidlings Requirements of energy services are transposed with Voluntary Agreements including model contracts and a contracting ecolabel Umbrella Organisation of Energy Service Contractors was set up with financial support Higher tax rates than EU Energy Taxation Directive Green Electricity Act: additional levy applied to energy prices for funding the support R&D support Budget for Research and Development available with focus on energy research A proposal is available to introduce an obligation scheme, existing measures shall be extended ( alternative measures ) The federal contracting programme is ongoing, more than 600 buildings have been optimised The ecolabel, and model energy performance contracts are currently being finalised þ Based on the umbrella organisation, the association Austrian Energy Efficiency and Performance Contractors DECA was established to play a networking function klima:aktiv contracting portal provides interested parties with information Programmes at regional level like the Upper Austria energy performance contracting programme Electricity taxation act Budget for Research and Development available with focus on energy research is ongoing Public Sector Element of the Public sector strategy Energy efficiency programmes for local authorities and advice programme with aim to support local authorities from planning to implementation Klima:aktiv offers information to more than 1600 local authorities Information and training events on energy efficiency topics at national level Subsidies offered by regions, like State of Burgenland makes subsidies available for the creation of energy concepts E5 programme for energy efficient local authorities The energy efficiency programmes for local authorities and advice programmes including klima:aktiv are ongoing 3% renovation target for central, national- level government buildings Several measures at regional level like Building measures in the Lower Austrian Climate and Energy programme 2020 including information campaigns for local authorities Several programmes on national and regional levels support local energy strategies, such as EGEM and E5 4

6 Element of the Public procurement Public buildings Federal Procurement Act, ecological aspects mus be taken into acount National Action Plan to promote sustainable public procurement Federal Procurement Corporation (BBG) administers the procurement of the public sector Some regions have set up own programmes for EE procurement, like ÖkoKauf Wien, here the city of Vienna buys products and services according to ecological criteria or Buy Smart a procurement programme in Upper Austria Renovation programme for public buidlings: Federal real estate contracting programme Special Federal Commissioners to support federal authorities in optimising their buildings with regard to energy use At regional level: energy platforms, advice in regard to planning and renovation of municipal buildings, how to optimise lighting etc. R&D support þ A Federal Energy Efficiency Act stipulates the government to pay increased attention to the impact on EE The other measures are ongoing þ Most regional programmes are ongoing, some were introduced like the Lower Austrian Climate and Energy programme including programmes for sustainable procurement Market for energy services is supported by the Federal Property Contracting programme and regional programmes, such as the Energy Contracting Programme in Upper Austria Engineers are appointed with the task to analyse all buildings used by federal administrations New measures at regional level like the Burgenland Energy Strategy 2020 including measures to increase renovation rate of public buildings document Residential Sector Buildings Element of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) Building regulations exist since the early 1990s, the requirements vary from region to region MEPS still exist with efforts to further develop the building regulations, including the development of the nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nzeb) action plan until 2020 Several measures at regional level like Building measures in the Lower Austrian Climate and Energy programme 2020 including Voluntary Agreements, reducing legal barriers, regulating building measures via building law Other Regulation Inspection of boilers The measure is ongoing 5

7 Element of the Grants, tax incentives Act to promote district heating (FWFG) provides subsidies for district heating systems, subsidy is paid as an investment grant Residentail buildings subsidies available since 1982 (Wohnungsbauförderung). Subsidy is paid in form of loans, grants, and/or allowances Investment subsidies for energy- efficient renovation were granted though the National recovery plan, continued as renovation voucher Financing instruments Residential buildings subsidies available since Subsidy is paid in form of loans, grants, and/or allowances Energy performance certificates (EPCs) Energy advice and audits Information tools for investors and users Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) were introduced in 2008/2009 The voluntary endorsement label klima:aktiv buildings was introduced as an evidence for buildings providing ecological, energy efficient and comfortable living Energy advice for households are provided by energy agencies of the regions (standard and advanced training courses) klima:aktiv provides advice and support to individuals at regional level All regions offer energy advice free of charge. Other regions offer advice centres for citizens, training, controlling The klima:aktiv initiative offering an award, TV trailers, radio contributions, a website, events etc. Energy agencies offer a range of information and services like education programmes, events, fair presentations, brochures Smart metering and informative billing with pilot projects. Other initiatives at regional level: climate protection prize, educational measures like Energiezukunft Vorarlberg Demonstration projects The energy performance contracting programme for public buildings aims at serving as a role model for private sector buildings Education and training for building professionals klima:aktiv climate protection initiative initiates many education and training measures, more than 1,000 craftspeople successfully completed their training Advanced training courses for craftspeople are offered by the energy agencies of the regions R&D support the FWFG is ongoing as Statutory provision to promote district heating The buildings subsidies are ongoing under the name Residential building subsidies from the federal state þ The investment subsidies are ongoing as the Austrian Federal Government s renovation. The subsidy covers up to 30% of the eligible costs for thermal renovation/insulation and conversion of heat generation systems. The klima:aktiv standard is eligible for subsidy The buildings subsidies are ongoing under the name Residential building subsidies from the federal state The EPCs still exist About 300 buildings are declared 2013 as klima:aktiv buildings An independent energy performance monitoring system has been introduced in Salzburg to i.a. check EPCs The advice programmes are ongoing Several measures at regional like Building measures in the Lower Austrian Climate and Energy programme 2020 including increasing energy advice The information programmes provided by klima:aktiv and Energy Agencies are ongoing þ The Regulation on the Introduction of Intelligent Meters was published in It stipulates that at least 95% of the metering points should be equipped with smart meters by 2019 The programme is ongoing The klima:aktiv campaign is ongoing Training courses are ongoing, certifications are available for installers 6

8 Residential Sector Appliances Element of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) Economic incentives The Ecodesign Directive was implemented Operational domestic environmental support scheme provides incentives to switch to energy efficient lighting Funding in the form of grants is provided for energy saving equipment at regional level (Burgenland) Energy labels Austria introduced the EnergyStar label The EU Energy Label is in place Information tools Education and training for retail staff and other supply chain actors Klima:aktiv organises several campaigns like the Austrian Climate Protection Award, an online tool and school activities Topprodukte.at is an online database in which customers can check the efficiency of appliances At regional level distribution of information regarding energy efficient appliances R&D support No information on changes or additional measures The programme is ongoing The promotion of energy saving equipment in Burgenland is ongoing The EnergyStar and the EU Energy Label still exists. The klima:aktiv campaigns are ongoing Topprodukte.at listed 3000 products in the categories illumination, office, household, heating and cooling, communication, etc. There are many different information campaigns in the regions, e.g. einheizen.at/ and tirol.at/richtigheizen/ 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 The Ecodesign Directive was implemented Austria has opted for voluntary agreements for professional associations of gas and heat supplying enterprises In the federal state of Upper Austria green energy clusters increase the innovative capacity and competitiveness of companies klima:aktiv provides quality standards and quality management systems, on the topics of motors, compressed air, ventilation and heat recovery At regional level promotion of energy management in businesses, like the Upper Austria Energy Academy The Ecodesign Directive is ongoing Voluntary agreements are ongoing The klima:aktiv campaign is ongoing The Energy Academy is ongoing EUREM scheme responsible for the certification of energy managers A requirement of the national energy efficiency act is that large companies have to introduce energy management systems starting in

9 Element of the Economic incentives for investment Financial support for energy advice and audits National recovery plan /renovation voucher provides subsidies to improve thermal insulation Within the Investment and advice subsidies for businesses the domestic environmental subsidies (UFI) provide support for businesses to undertake environment- related investments Companies can apply via the Operational domestic environment support and regional programmes for support with investments for energy efficiency measures (investment grants) Energy audits are conducted in the scope of the domestic environmental promotion programme. Certain regions reinforce this support and also offer energy audits Energy audits are conducted by the Energy Institute with funds of the Climate and Energy Fund. Voluntary Agreements on energy efficiency where participating companies offer energy services and audits Energy efficient companies is a klima:aktiv programme with trainings for consultants including information about tools for energy audits Some regions offer subsidised advisory services Recovery plan is ongoing under the name Thermal building renovation for enterprises. Level of subsidy is based on the renovation quality and the reduction in heating and cooling The subsidy programmes are ongoing Energy audits are ongoing through the domestic environmental promotion programme. The Energy Efficient Companies campaign is ongoing under the name klima:aktiv energy efficient enterprises with guidelines for technologies, dissemination of know- how and trainings No information on development regarding programme voluntary agreements Subsidised advisory services are ongoing Several measures at regional level like Building measures in the Lower Austrian Climate and Energy programme 2020 including support of energy savings in companies and expansion of consultancy services Energy labelling R&D support Transport Sector Element of the Planning instruments Top Measure mobility: different Overall transport plan for Austria measures by national government, e.g. (2012): sets targets and guidelines for P&R, B&R, bicycle infrastructure and Austrian transport policy up to 2025; parking stations, public transport consists of measures in the following system expansion, shifting transport of areas: electromobility, relocation of goods, electromobility, car sharing transport, true cost of transport, reduction of congestion, noise protection, spatial planning, motorised private transport Expansion and improvements of public transport 8

10 Element of the Regulatory instruments Speed limits Economic incentives Information and advice R&D support Parking space management Traffic measures of the Climate and Energy Fund: Subsidies for intermodal transport interfaces and multimodal transport klima:aktiv climate protection initiate transport measures: subsidies for vehicles with alternative drives: natural gas vehicles, electric cars, bikes and scooters Standard fuel consumption tax as a registration tax based on fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions Monthly tax on motor vehicles based on engine power Mineral oil tax Toll on motorways and expressways: time tariff for vehicles < 3,5t, kilometre tariff for vehicles > 3,5t klima:aktiv climate protection initiate transport measures: information and promotion of sustainable transport and for mobility management, e.g. deployment of mobility advisers in local authorities; mobility management/support of bicycle use in schools; mobility advice for local authorities, schools; day- care centrs and other public facilities; mobility management is being conducted in more than 200 schools. Eco- Drive campaign Improvement of combined transport (P&R, B&R) Improvement of intermodality in goods relocating goods transport to the railways Expansion of cycling infrastructure, construction of bike parking facilities Lower Austrian Electromobility Strategy ( ) Speed limits Parking space management Subsidies for vehicles with efficient propulsion systems: In most individual Austrian regions and a number of towns and municipalities for private drivers (e.g. electric vehicles, scooters and pedelecs) Financial support by the Ministry of Environment for municipalities, companies, regions and tourism sector: subsidies of maximum 10 vehicles per company Conversion of conventional cars towards alternative propulsion is funded Subsidies for electromobility in Lower Austria (since 2014): EUR 2 Mio/year þ Standard fuel consumption: tax is progressively linked to fuel consumption and CO 2 - emissions of vehicle; since 2015 it is combined with a malus for passenger cars > 250g CO 2 /km: for every gram above the maximum, an additional fee of EUR 20 per every exceeding gram has to be paid Monthly tax on motor vehicles based on engine power; electric vehicles are excluded from the tax Mineral oil tax Toll on motorways and expressways þ klima:aktiv programme consists of the five layers a) mobility management consulting programmes, b) awareness & information campaigns, c) financial support programmes, d) partnership & awards and e) advanced education & certification. It covers the following areas: mobility management, conversion of vehicle fleet to alternative propulsion systems, electromobility and encouraging cycling, innovative public transport services, eco- driving Eco- Drive campaign Within the klimaaktiv campaign, there are different pilot projects 9

11 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 38 national energy efficiency experts participated in the quantitative survey for Austria. 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). According to the Austrian experts, Austria is among the Member States that have progressed comparatively well since the second NEEAP (country progress indicator: 5 out of 28). The rate of progress was higher than in the preceding three years (2012 survey: country progress indicator: 13 out of 27). Opinions on the overall ambition of energy efficiency policies are divided: 56% consider it as relatively low whereas 44 % find it at least ambitious in a range of sectors. Very similarly, a bit more than half believes that only a few additional policies were introduced in the past years, the other half saw a range or many additional policies. Among others, the experts mention the recently adopted Energy Efficiency Act as a challenging issue. Positive developments included the progress in energy efficiency in buildings and the respective funding and regulatory instruments. Austria: overall ambiaon of the energy efficiency policies Austria: progress of the energy efficiency policies in the last 3 years 3% 14% 5% 13% 41% 3 42% 43% generally, rather low ambimous in a few sectors, less so in most others ambimous in a range of sectors, less so in a few others generally, rather high no or very linle progress a few addimonal policies a range of addimonal policies many addimonal policies More than half of the experts think the EED savings target (new savings of 1.5% of the annual energy sales to final consumers) is not likely to be achieved. The experts reported that Austria recently 9

12 adopted a law which introduced an energy efficiency obligation scheme for energy suppliers. However, significant concern was voiced over the practical implementation of this scheme and its ability to deliver the savings. 64% believe that Austria is on track to meet its obligation under the EPBD that all new buildings be "nearly Zero Energy Buildings" by This is among the higher values across Member States. Austria: achievement of naaonal 1.5 % energy savings target (EED) Austria: on track towards the "nzeb" obligaaon 32% 13% 24% 55% 64% 12% 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 implementamon is well underway Experts mention the lack of funding in the public sector and regret that the 3% target was not applied to the regional and local levels. A range of funding programmes are available in the residential sector, especially on the regional level. Experts mention the need to shift more funding from new construction to the renovation sector. In the transport sector, experts note a significant lack of progress and policy activity. Austria: improvement in actual implementaaon Decreasing fuel poverty 52% 42% 6% Energy efficiency in transport 40% 54% 6% Funcmoning of the energy service market Energy efficiency in industry Consideramon of energy efficiency in public purchasing 2 20% 13% 68% 6 74% 3% 11% 13% no progress some progress good progress Building renovamon 70% 21% Exemplary role of public buildings 67% 24% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 10

13 Regarding specific energy efficiency instruments, energy efficiency requirements for new buildings and energy labelling of products are seen as the most effective by the Austrian experts (rated at least partly effective by 100% and 91% of the experts respectively). The highest ratings for "not effective at all" are given to energy taxation and smart metering (both 3). Austria: effecaveness of different policy instruments EE requirements for new buildings 65% 35% Energy labelling of products 74% 17% Energy cermficamon of buildings 17% 61% 22% Financial incenmves for private households 4% 13% 57% 26% EE requirements for renovated buildings 4% 13% 74% Programmes for local energy planning 73% Financial incenmves for SMEs 4% 22% 57% 17% Targeted advice for households 4% 26% 66% 4% Energy audits for companies 4% 26% 61% Namonal Energy Efficiency Funds 17% 30% 4 4% Inspecmon heamng/air- condimoning systems 22% 30% 48% Energy taxamon 35% 3 26% Smart metering % 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% not implemented not effecmve at all partly effecmve very effecmve Good Practices At national level, the to support energy efficiency contracting is very comprehensive and successful. In 2004, the Umbrella Organisation of Energy Service Contractors was set up with the aim to make energy services better known. In 2013, the association Austrian Energy Efficiency and Performance Contractor DECA was established to play a networking function. Furthermore the klima:aktiv campaign provides information to interested parties. This information platform includes basic information but also a search function for energy performance contractors. Model energy performance contracts are available on the website of the Ministry of Science, Research and Economy. To make energy performance contracting project visible, a contracting eco- label was developed. Contracting programmes were primary implemented for public buildings. The Federal Property Contracting Programme was established to improve the energy consumption of federal buildings. More than 200 buildings were refurbished since 2001 and more than 600 buildings have been optimised and modernised in terms of energy efficiency. According to the third NEEAP, this makes the programme one of Europe s largest contracting authorities for energy performance contracts. 80% of the calculated savings go to the external service. The remaining 20% are returned to the building owner. On average 20.3% of energy costs can be saved and savings of 40,000 tons of CO 2 are realised each year. Additional energy performance contracting programmes are available at regional level (e.g. in Upper Austria: Energie- Contracting Programm OÖ). 11

14 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, an expert was not available for every country 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, ErP Energy- related Products, 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