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Distance Learning Trade News
EU sets new green building target
All new buildings across Europe could soon be required to produce their own energy on site, following a decision by a European parliament committee.
The Industry Committee has proposed an amendment to the 2002 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, requiring all buildings to produce as much energy as they consume on site by December 2018.
Plumbers and electricians could be enlisted to carry out solar panel and heat pump installations to help meet this target.
Although members of the European Parliament (MEPs) believe that more investment is needed for energy-efficient buildings.
The committee has also called on the European Commission to amend financial instruments across the EU to boost energy-efficiency improvements.
It suggested increasing the share of the European Regional Development Fund available for energy-efficiency measures and establishing an Energy Efficiency Fund.
The committee also suggests offering VAT reductions for particular goods and services, such as plumbing, as an incentive to carry out renewable energy improvements.
MEPs recently voted to update the EU law on substances that deplete the ozone layer and brings regulation in line with the Montreal protocol set in 1987 to protect the environment.
