The Energy Performance of Buildings: Promises Still Unfulfilled. Egmont Paper No. 78, May 2015

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY All observers agree that energy efficiency must be the cornerstone of any serious EU energy strategy. In this general context, the EU building sector is critical. It represents about 40% of EU final energy consumption (residential houses, public/private offices, commercial buildings, etc.) and approximately 36% of EU CO2 emissions. This is massive. The EU has certainly not been inactive in this field. The Energy Performance in Buildings Directive 2002/91/EC (EPBD) was the first and the main instrument to address the problem of the energy performance of buildings. It has established numerous principles: a reliable methodology which enables the calculation and rating of the energy performance of buildings; minimum energy performance standards for new buildings and existing buildings under major renovation; energy performance certificates; regular inspection of heating and air-conditioning systems; and, finally, quality standards for inspections and energy performance certificates. They were strengthened in 2010 by the recast Directive 2010/31/EU. This directive also introduces a decisive concept for the development of the building sector: ‘nearly zeroenergy buildings’. In 2012, the new Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU dealt with other aspects. In the building sector, three of them are particularly important. They concern: (1) the establishment of long-term strategies for mobilizing investment in the renovation of the national building stocks; (2) the introduction of energy saving schemes for ‘designated’ energy companies with a view to reducing consumption among ‘final consumers’ by 1.5% annually; and (3), as an option, the setting up of an Energy Efficiency National Fund to support energy efficiency initiatives. This paper also briefly examines the different instruments put in place to disseminate information and consultation, and the EU funding for energy efficiency in buildings. Results, however, have remained limited until now. The improvement of the energy performance of buildings and the rhythm of renovation remain extremely weak. Member States’ unwillingness to timely and properly transpose and implement the Directives continues despite the high degree of flexibility permitted. The decentralized approach chosen for some specific aspects and the differentiation in the application of EPBD standards between Member States do not appear optimal either. Adequate financial schemes remain rare. The permanent deficit of qualified and trained personnel and the inertia of public authorities to make the public understand the stakes in this domain remain problematic. Hence the need to take new initiatives to reap the benefits that the building sector is meant to bring.

The Labour Market in Spain: Problems, Challenges and Future Trends. Policy Brief #2015/01

Spain’s economy was hit particularly hard by the financial crisis. After severe austerity measures have been implemented in recent years to contain a strong public debt increase, first signs of economic recovery are emerging. However, as SIM Europe results show, very few measures to soften the social consequences have been enacted. Spain scores second to last in the ‘Labour Market Access’ dimension of the Social Justice Index 2015, with the greatest deterioration among all EU countries compared to 2008. According to the Reform Barometer 2015, the quality of labour market reforms in Spain ranks last in the EU. With economic recovery gaining momentum, high priority should be given to ameliorating labour market access through higher education improvements, professional training, investments into R&D and promotion of high added-value industries.

School buildings ...

Mode of access: Internet.

Support document for proposed rule on friable asbestos-containing materials in school buildings : health effects and magnitude of exposure.

Mode of access: Internet.

Guidance for controlling asbestos-containing materials in buildings.

Mode of access: Internet.

A proposed concept for determining the need for air conditioning for buildings based on building thermal response and human comfort /

Includes bibliographical references.

Atheniensia, or Remarks on the topography and buildings of Athens.

Mode of access: Internet.

A book on building, civil and ecclesiastical : including church restoration : with the theory of domes and the great pyramid, and dimensions of many churches and other great buildings /

Includes index.

The laws of contrast and colour and their application to the arts of painting, decoration of buildings, mosaic work ... /

Mode of access: Internet.

The car of destiny and its errand in Spain /

Mode of access: Internet.

Community buildings as war memorials.

Mode of access: Internet.

Asbestos-containing materials in school buildings : bulk sample analysis quality assurance program : bulk sample rounds 16, 17 and 18 /

Mode of access: Internet.

Economic and functional characteristics of farm dairy buildings /

Cover title.

Effects of borrowing from commercial lenders on farm organization with particular reference to fertilizers, buildings, machinery, livestock, and operating expense /

Cover title.

Guidance for controlling friable asbestos-containing materials in buildings /

"EPA560/5-83-002"--Cover.