This Action Plan outlines a framework of policies and measures with a view to realising over 20% estimated savings in EU annual primary energy consumption by 2020. This is considered to be technically and economically feasible.

KEY POINTS

The document outlines a series of Priority Actions, expected to be backed-up by legislation. They are...

1: Appliance and equipment labelling and minimum energy performance standards. The Commission will begin, in 2007, the process of adopting minimum energy performance standards for priority product groups including boilers, water heaters by the end of 2008
2: Building performance requirements and very low energy buildings ("passive houses"), including zero-energy houses- houses not requiring heating.
3: Making power generation and distribution more efficient
4: Achieving fuel efficiency of cars
5: Facilitating appropriate financing of energy efficiency investments for small and medium enterprises and Energy Service Companies
6: Spurring energy efficiency in the new Member States
7: A coherent use of taxation
8: Raising energy efficiency awareness
9: Energy efficiency in built-up areas
10: Foster energy efficiency worldwide

The full report is available from the European Commisson at: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/action_plan_energy_efficiency/doc/com_2006_0545_en.pdf