EUROPEAN
COMMISSION

Brussels, 18.5.2022
COM(2022) 240 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEANPARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIALCOMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONSEU 'Save Energy'

EN

EN

1.

INTRODUCTION

Saving energy, i.e. reducing energy consumption through price signals, energy efficiency
measures or voluntary efforts can often be the cheapest, safest and cleanest way to reduce
our reliance on fossil fuel imports from Russia. Moreover, using less energy supports
security of supply, facilitates storage requirements and underpins the clean energy
transition.
Voluntarily reducing unnecessary energy consumption and fast-tracking energy
efficiency measures will reduce the volume of gas and oil shortage in case of a disruptionof flows from Russia. As such it is a critical element to stabilise markets and prevent
further price volatility. Over the medium to long-term, energy savings would contributeto lower the prices of energy, help responding effectively to sudden price hikes andsupply shortages.
Saving energy directly reduces our energy bills and makes our economy more resilient.
High prices for fossil fuel-based energy already hurt households and all industrial sectors,
from services to manufacturing and from agriculture to transport. For the energy poor,
vulnerable households, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and for energy
intensive industries, they force uncomfortable choices about forgoing energy use. Higher
energy prices also affect the relative competitiveness of firms with possible knock-on
effects on employment and incomes.
Last year, as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package and delivering on the European Green Deal,
the Commission proposed an increase of the energy efficiency ambition by the end of
this decade. While primarily framed to support the decarbonisation of the EU economy,
the proposal also implied other substantial benefits such as higher energy security andlower GHG emissions, air pollution and natural resources depletion.
Implementation of the full “Fit for 55” package would lower our gas consumption by
30% (equivalent to 100 bcm) by 2030. More than one third of this would come frommeeting the EU energy efficiency target put forward in the Energy Efficiency Directive(EED) recast proposal. The target would be delivered by the implementation of therelevant energy efficiency policy proposals such as the recast EED itself, the recast of theEnergy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), Ecodesign and Energy Labelling
legislation, as well as other policy instruments with an impact on energy consumption
such as the CO2 emission standards for new vehicles, the EU Emission Trading System(ETS) and the proposed new ETS for buildings and road transport.
Implementing these policies would deliver a structural reduction in energy use. In thewake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, those changes should now happen even fasterto increase the EU’s resilience and energy independence at greater speed.
At the same time, significant energy savings driven by voluntary choices can be achieved
relatively quickly. The latest IPCC report1 highlights that changes to our lifestyles andbehaviour can help significantly lower our energy consumption. Choosing to reduceheating temperatures, drive more economically and shift to more public transport and

1

IPCC, 2022: Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group III
to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changeactive mobility, use household appliances and air-conditioning more efficiently andswitch off the lights can deliver substantial, short-term savings2.
Therefore, this EU ‘Save Energy’ plan takes a two-pronged approach:(1)

Achieving immediate energy savings through voluntary choices; and(2)

Accelerating and strengthening structural, mid- to long-term energy efficiency
measures.

Both approaches will need to be supported by an effective financial framework andgovernance structure.
2.

ACHIEVING IMMEDIATE ENERGY SAVINGS THROUGH PERSONAL CHOICES

In view of the current geopolitical and market situation, we cannot afford to wait until theimportant structural energy efficiency measures are in place. It is vital to look for
immediate opportunities to reduce energy consumption while the current crisis endures.
In the shorter term, most of those opportunities would come from voluntary choices,
some of which could also last into the mid-to-long term if they lead to changes in habits.
These choices should primarily focus on where the greatest savings in gas and oil
consumption can be achieved. Natural gas plays the largest role in heating, accounting
for around 42% of energy used for space heating in the residential and household sectors.
Oil is the next most important fossil fuel for heating accounting for 14% while coalaccounts for around 3%. Fossil fuels use in transport represent 288 million tonnes of oil
equivalent per year, or 93% of the transport sector energy needs. Air transport andshipping are almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels, while fossil fuels provide 93% of
the energy use in road transport and 23% of the energy use in rail. Around 25% ofpassenger car activity takes place in the urban mobility environment.
Therefore, the key sectors for significant short-term savings are heating in households
and services, and transport and mobility, with some additional short-term potential inindustry sectors. Actions to immediately reduce gas consumption are particularly
important as any savings that can be made early will help in refilling storage and thus
reduce the supply risks over the winter season. At the same time, it is also important tosave electricity as gas, oil and coal are also used for power generation. The main
reductions in oil use are likely to be achievable by reducing private car use and air travel,
as well as more efficient driving for trucks.
These choices can reduce energy demand that can help to reduce fossil fuel imports andavoid more serious shortages and consequently the imposition of curtailment measureswith all their ensuing economic and social consequences.
Change is, of course, already driven by current high market prices as households andbusinesses seek out ways to curb the increase in their energy bills. Such market-driven
savings, however, may fall short for various reasons. Actors may not be aware of the best2

Analysis of behaviour change due to electricity crisis: Japanese household electricity consumer
behaviour since the earthquake; Murakoshi et al, 2013. Can Rationing Affect Long Run Behavior?
Evidence from Brazil; Costa, 2012. See also Policies for energy conservation and sufficiency: Review
of existing policies and recommendations for new and effective policies in OECD countries: Bertoldi,
2022 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2022.112075)
2

savings opportunities. Coordination may be necessary to achieve the best results.
Fairness and solidarity are also not necessarily guaranteed: the wealthier may or may not
adjust their behaviour. Others, especially the most vulnerable, may instead be forced totake painful measures. Finally, market prices will not necessarily lead to an appropriate
effort from the point of point of view of the REPowerEU objectives.
The types of support actions that can be taken can therefore be divided into:
 Information actions – to ensure the different types of energy users understand theimportance of reducing energy demand and know what they can do to contribute.
 Incitement and supporting actions –to help energy users in their efforts to reduceenergy consumption, for example by offering rebates on the purchase of the mostefficient appliances.
The key advantage of change driven by this sort of measures is that their impact onenergy consumption is immediate, no (or very little) up-front investment is required, andonly a small change of habit is needed, with no or a very limited impact on welfare as
only those who want and can make such choices will do.
Such measures will mainly be voluntary and rely on goodwill, and on the effective
communication to energy users of the most effective steps they can take. Since the mainuses of gas and oil are relatively limited (primarily heating for gas and transport for oil)the messages can be relatively well targeted.
Delivering targeted information to citizens is crucial for them to make informed choices.
The right messages need to be delivered at the right time. This is likely to mean a small
number of broadly targeted measures underpinned by accessible information.
These actions need to be taken by trusted bodies that have a good understanding of local
circumstances and are able to engage a broad section of the population in concrete action.
Member States often are best placed to promote these types of energy saving actions at
the appropriate time and in view of their local circumstances. Local authorities, throughe.g. local, regional and national energy agencies, the Covenant of Mayors and the 100
Climate-neutral and Smart Cities Mission have a key role to play.
Information actions may also be reinforced by including energy savings related skills inschool curricula and promoting skills acquisition in the sectors which are crucial forachieving the ambitious targets of the REPowerEU plan.
Quite a few Member States have already taken actions to address the potential for shortterm energy savings3 but more could be done. To support these efforts, the joint
Commission - IEA ‘Playing my part’ campaign provides simple information on somekey steps that individuals and companies can take voluntarily when possible to contributeto reducing our energy imports from Russia.
In addition, to support consumers in choosing more efficient appliances, the Commissionis launching the consumer interface of the European Product Registration for Energy

3For example, the Belgian government has launched the ‘J’ai un impact / ik heb impact’ campaign
aiming to achieve short term energy savings in view of the Ukraine crisis. Italy has announced adecision to limit heating and cooling temperatures in public buildings.
3

Labelling (EPREL) database4. The Commission is also working on an information
campaign to provide awareness raising information and materials to be used forcommunication to individuals by other bodies. Member States should also make full useof the opportunities available to them to promote energy efficiency such as reduced VAT
rates for high efficiency heating systems, ensuring energy pricing encourages switching
to heat pumps and encouraging purchase of more efficient appliances. Member States
will be best placed to identify the most effective and fairest ones for their own
circumstances
Many specific immediate recommendations can be envisaged and an illustration of thetypes of measures, including indicative estimated savings potentials, is provided in theannex and the most significant ones are summarised in the table below5.
Oil savings Gas savings(Mtoe)(bcm)
Gas saving measures
Savings from turning down heating, turning off heating in unusedrooms, block draughts etc.

≈1.5

≈3

Providing information about keeping condensing boiler
temperatures below 60 degrees and encouraging people to checktheirs.
Information about servicing boilers, simple insulation measures,
draught proofing, fitting Thermostatic Radiator Valves andheating controllers and encouragement to act.

≈6

≈0.3

≈1

≈1

Consider modifying the energy pricing and introducing
progressive tariff structures and other solutions to encourage
energy savings and switch from gas to electricity.
Industry≈2

Incentivise energy audits and implementation to avoid heat losses
from high temperature processes, supporting switching away fromfossil energy.
Transport measures≈8

Recommending reducing motorway speeds.

Encouraging walking, cycling, public transport, micro-mobility in ≈5
urban areas.
Encouraging train transport.

≈2

Illustrative potential

≈16

≈13

The IEA estimates that these types of short-term gas-related measures could achieve a
5% reduction in (final) gas use (around 13 bcm) over a year. Similarly, and dependingon the Member State and its overall transport demand, measures could achieve up to a4

For more information see: https://eprel.ec.europa.eu/screen/home

5

The indicated estimated energy savings are based on a range of sources and are dependent on a wide
range of factors including the degree to which individuals respond to publicity and information
campaigns and other incitements. In view of this, they should be understood as purely indicative of thepossible relative magnitude of effect at EU level. In addition, the impacts of the measures can overlap.
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5% reduction in (final) oil use (around 16 mtoe), while not preventing necessaryjourneys.
In support of these efforts, the Commission will: Develop a campaign in the context of the EU response to the effects of Russia’s war
against Ukraine and high energy prices, intended to raise awareness and provide
materials for use by other bodies.
 Disseminate information on the ‘Playing my part’ campaign on energy saving actions
for individuals and work with stakeholder groups to increase the reach of theseinformation measures and create the greatest impact.
 Launch the European Product Registration for Energy Labelling (EPREL) database
consumer interface to support consumers and procurers choosing more efficient
appliances.
3.

ACCELERATINGAND STRENGTHENING STRUCTURAL,
ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES

MID- TO LONG-TERM

The current EU’s energy efficiency targets significantly contribute to the EU’s climate
ambitions. The 20-20-20 targets and the 2030 climate targets set under the Climate Law
are clear examples where energy efficiency measures have allowed growth and reduced
energy consumption to go hand in hand and played an important role for achieving thegreenhouse gas reduction target. As confirmed by research6, energy efficiency policies
also provided wider benefits in terms of that can be monetised to differing degrees. These
include aspects such as reduced energy poverty, increased health and welfare, increased
business competitiveness and enhanced energy security.
Member States have established the necessary frameworks and institutional arrangements
to deliver on their previous and current energy efficiency targets. A governance structure
is in place through the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) to ensure that theseambitions are consistent with the overall EU objectives. There is now an urgency toaccelerate these energy efficiency improvements to increase the EU’s resilience. Withhigher energy prices reducing the pay-back period of energy efficiency investment, there
is a need for a renewed effort to remove the liquidity and information constraints holdingback such profitable investment.
Because of the work that has been done over the past decade, this ramping up of effort
should not require the creation of new structures or bodies. For example, all Member
States have long-term renovation strategies, large businesses are required to carry out
energy audits every four years and efforts have gone into adequate training and quality
assurance. Increasing the rate of energy efficiency improvements may however require
existing levels of resourcing to be strengthened, for example for providing advice andinformation as well as mechanisms to enable more private investments.
The current EU rules on ecodesign and energy labelling have resulted in 10% lower
annual energy consumption by the products in their scope, significantly reducing EU
primary energy demand and saving costs to consumers. The Commission proposal for a

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See for example https://combi-project.eu/
5Regulation on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products7 extends the scope of the Ecodesign
framework to cover the broadest possible range of products. As the use of materials in
products has an important energy footprint, this new framework will significantly
increase energy savings through boosting both energy and material efficiency.
3.1.

Indication of a higher EU energy efficiency target

The Commission’s EED recast proposal of July 2021 includes a higher energy efficiency
target of 9% by 2030 (compared to the 2020 reference scenario).
In 2021, the Commission also undertook a study on energy savings potentials of energy
efficiency measures, which showed that the economic saving potential for 2030 could be
as high as 13% of FEC (752 Mtoe) if the EU intensifies funding and efforts for energy
efficiency. According to the same study8, the technical potential for energy savings could
be as high as 19% of FEC (696 Mtoe).
Following the REPowerEU communication of 8 March, further modelling of the
REPowerEU9 scenario with structurally higher gas prices also results in a cost-effectiveenergy efficiency target of 13% in 2030.
3.2.

Possible strengthening of energy efficiency measures

In view of the need to speed up the Union’s independence from fossil fuel imports,
Member States should consider fast-tracking existing, and implementing additional,
energy efficiency measures. Each Member State will know best where to focus its efforts
and in addition there are clear areas at the EU level where a common approach can bring
added value.
In the ongoing co-decision processes on different elements of the ‘Fit for 55’ package theco-legislators may strengthen the regulatory framework for energy efficiency in the shortterm and to deliver more energy savings in the mid- to long-term in the context of
REPowerEU, including:

Increasing the ambition of national energy savings obligation.

Introducing obligations to ensure that in key sectors, energy efficiency will be
increased, subsidies for fossil fuel technologies will be stopped, renewable energy
technologies are consistently promoted and energy savings technologies andequipment are quickly developed.

Strengthening the implementation of energy audit results to ensure that costeffective measures are implemented and that companies (in particular SMEs) andother entities such as public bodies that are not subject to the energy audit obligation
are incentivised to undertake such audits and act on its results. Data centres and theuse of waste heat should also be addressed in this context.

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COM(2022) 142 final

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https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/511bb328-f8b9-11eb-b52001aa75ed71a1/language-en

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SWD(2022) 230 final
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

Introduce additional Minimum Energy Performance Standards for buildings toboost renovations that encompass also heating (and cooling) systems, with
sufficiently ambitious timelines and setting a pathway to upgrade worstperforming buildings in the Energy Performance Certificate “G class” up to “Dclass”.



Phase out Member States’ subsidies for fossil fuel-based boilers in buildings asof 2025 as a minimum (noting that in most situations such incentives are contrary to
Article 7(2) of the Energy Labelling Regulation) and encourage redirection to
incentivise support schemes for heat pumps instead.

Strengthen national energy (and resource efficiency) requirements of newbuildings through heating system requirements and introducing zero-emission
standards before 2030 (before 2027 in the case of public buildings).

Tighten national heating system requirements for existing buildings addressing
major renovations and boiler replacements and connection to efficient district heating
systems in densely populated areas. This would work hand in hand with the setting ofstricter ecodesign limits for heating systems at EU level, implying 2029 as an end
date for ‘stand-alone’ fossil fuel boilers being placed on the market and parallel
rescaling of energy labels (by 2025/2026) that will result in boilers and other fossil
fuel-based appliances ending up in the bottom energy classes. Such EPBD andecodesign and energy labelling measures will incentivise the roll-out of heat pumps
and will contribute to the goal of doubling the rate of installation of heat pumps.

Introduce national bans for boilers based on fossil fuels in existing and newbuildings by setting requirements for heat generators based on greenhouse gas
emissions or the type of fuel used. Whilst the EPBD recast introduces a clear legal
basis for such national bans to address current legal uncertainty, it is already possible
under the existing legislative framework to go ahead with such measures, which are
already being introduced by several Member States.

In the mid- to long-term it will also be important to further increase energy efficiency
in transport with a view to reduce oil consumption, encourage the switch to efficient
renewable alternatives and increase transport energy efficiency, for example through:

Aerodynamic retrofitting of heavy-duty vehicles and facilities to plug refrigerated
trailers; longer trucks with eco-design such as aerodynamic devices on their trailers;

including further eco-design requirements or higher energy efficiency targets forvehicles and trailers the upcoming revision of the CO2 performance standards for
newly sold heavy-duty vehicles, due in December 2022;

incentivising the uptake of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles and boosting theenergy saving potential of longer and heavier trucks to drive cross-border within theEuropean Union in the upcoming revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive;boosting the use of combined transport generating energy savings in the upcoming
review of the Directive on Combined Transport;

In view of this, the Commission: Proposes to increase to 13% the binding target in the Energy Efficiency Directive;7

Invites the Parliament and Council to consider, during the ongoing negotiations, therelevant measures outlined above to enable additional savings and energy efficiency
gains in buildings through the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and theEnergy Efficiency Directive;

Invites the Parliament and Council to uphold the ambition of the Commission
proposal for a Regulation on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products10, the rapid
deployment of which will lead to further energy savings through improved energy
and resource efficiency of a broad range of products;

Will consider a legislative initiative to increase the share of zero emission vehicles inpublic and corporate car fleets above a certain size;

Put forward a legislative package on greening freight transport

The Commission also urges Member States to speedily adopt the reform of the Single
European Sky Regulation on the modernisation of air traffic management in Europe inview of the significant gains in reduced fuel burn this would generate through higher
flight efficiency.
4.

FINANCING

As regards financing for energy efficiency and building renovations, the investments put
forward in the national Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs) are a good starting point,with more than 67 billion euro having been committed to such investments under the
Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The major share of the funding support wasdedicated to building renovations (mainly residential and public buildings), followed by
the construction of energy efficient buildings, with energy efficiency in SMEs, industry
and in tertiary buildings, often being less frequent. The REPowerEU discussions that are
currently taking place with all Member States are a good opportunity to strengthen the
RRPs in these areas.
The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) including the Modernisation Fund and the
proposed new ETS for buildings and road transport and the related Social Climate Fundare also expected to provide overall revenues of at least a similar order of magnitude,with energy efficiency investments being a key objective for revenue use. In addition,
within the current Multi-Annual Financial Framework under the cohesion policy funds(ERDF, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund), will provide significant support forenergy efficiency and sustainable transport. In particular, the InvestEU Programme will
mobilize private finance to support a wide range of investments in energy efficiency, by
sharing risks with implementing partners, including the EIB Group. In addition, theCommon Agricultural Policy, Horizon Europe and the LIFE programme all provide
support for investments in energy efficiency. In total, under these instruments at EU
level, financial resources allocated to climate related spending amount up to 626 billion
euros for the 2021-2027 MFF and NextGenerationEU (although these resources address
several policy areas beyond energy efficiency).
Measures involving State aid are subject to State aid rules. The Climate, Energy andEnvironmental Protection State aid Guidelines (CEEAG) provide ample opportunities forsupport to energy efficiency projects. Despite significant EU- and national, regional and
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COM(2022) 142 final.
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local-level public financing going to energy efficiency, such funding alone will not be
sufficient to cover energy efficiency investment needs and, therefore, scaling up private
investments is essential to achieve these objectives. Further funding needs stem fromnecessary up- and re-skilling of workers to counter the shortage of skilled labour toimplement many of the planned measures, including but not limited to the installation ofenergy saving tools, efficient appliances, or renewable electricity generation, as well asbuilding and renovation measures.
This means, on one side, to make the most cost-effective use of public financial support
based on financing instruments and innovative financing schemes. To achieve this, theCommission will continue to promote technical assistance for energy efficiency
investments, the uptake of energy efficiency innovative financing schemes (such as onbill and on-tax recovery, energy performance contracting and performance-basedmodels), and financial products (such as energy efficiency mortgages and green loans
and financing schemes for acquisition of transport zero-emissions fleets).
In view of the importance of developing financing schemes for energy efficiency, by
combining financial instruments and grants, the Commission, with the support of theEuropean Investment Bank, provides a model11 to support Member States with
developing Energy Efficiency Financial Instruments and increase the uptake of theseschemes under the Cohesion Policy Funds.
On the other side, it is key to strengthen the cooperation with financial institutions onenergy efficiency investments and to mobilise their active commitment toward theachievement of the REPowerEU and the European Green Deal objectives. In this regard,
the Commission, in cooperation with Member States, continues to strengthen the work of
the successful Energy Efficiency Financial Institutions Group (EEFIG), for example witha view to transforming it into a high-level European Energy Efficiency Financing
Coalition with the financial sector. Additionally, the Commission will examine additional
ways to trigger further private investments, e.g. through mortgage portfolio standards or
pay-for-performance schemes.
In view of the need for increased private financing for energy efficiency, theCommission will:launch, in cooperation with Member States, a high-level European Energy Efficiency
Financing Coalition with the financial sector, based on the successful Energy
Efficiency Financial Institutions Group (EEFIG);examine possible additional measures to trigger further private investments, e.g.
through mortgage portfolio standards or pay-for-performance schemes.

5.

GOVERNANCE AND PARTNERS

Member States, and their regional and local authorities and organisations, are best placed
to reach out to EU citizens and business to encourage them to take energy saving
measures or to invest in energy efficiency measures. The Commission will complement
such efforts by identifying and sharing expertise among Member States on the mosteffective actions, where possible through existing structures, for example the Concerted
11https://www.fi-compass.eu/resources/factsheets-and-brochures/model-for-a-financial-instrument-witha-grant-component
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Actions on the EED and EPBD, local initiatives, etc. Under the Technical Support
Instrument, the Commission is helping Member States to identify reforms andinvestments to phase out fossil fuel imports from Russia, including for the accelerationand strengthening of energy efficiency measures. The Commission is keen to work withall relevant national, regional and local actors to provide the greatest support and sharing
of information.
Cities and towns represent three quarters of the EU’s population and have the biggest
potential to support urgent energy savings actions. They also have deep knowledge
about, and interface with, people facing or at risk of energy poverty. Within this context,
the Covenant of Mayors and the 100 Climate-neutral and Smart Cities Mission are key
partnerships for action. An important aspect to ensure that all consumers can play theirrole is strengthening the existing networks with local and regional governments, andnetworks of experts and stakeholders active at these levels. At international level the
Global Covenant of Mayors provides an established channel to reach 11 000 cities,
including in Ukraine that can be integrated into similar action after the conflict.
There are specific aspects to be addressed in different business sectors and theCommission intends to explore whether specific energy savings partnerships could becreated with appropriate stakeholders in relevant sectors (e.g. transport, industry, agrifood, ICT including data centres, water, and energy). Other existing initiatives, forexample, the Clean Islands initiative, the initiative on Coal Regions in Transition, could
be used to provide a framework to households, enterprises and services.
In times of urgency, deep local knowledge and tailor-made hands-on support is needed toadvise people how to best combine renewable energy use and energy efficiency
measures, or how to become members of a renewable energy community. It must be
ensured that all citizens have the necessary information to take decisions. Even urgent
actions must ensure inclusiveness, equality and non-discrimination.
In view of this, the Commission will:

continue bringing together the relevant stakeholders, energy savings partnerships,
consumer organisations, skills partnerships and alliances, the Committee of theRegions, local and regional networks, and Member States central authorities, toallow for the sharing of best practices on energy savings measures across the board
and follow-up on the impacts of the energy saving measures toward next winter;

continue providing dedicated technical assistance on energy efficiency, such as
through the Technical Support Instrument, cohesion policy and ELENA, which will
help authorities and stakeholders removing bottlenecks to the deployment of energy
efficiency programmes;convene Member States to report by 1 July on the actions that they have taken toachieve short-term demand reduction. They will also be invited to set out whatfurther actions they envisage and the expected impact from them, including on data
centres and industrial waste heat.

6.

CONCLUSION

Energy efficiency is a key element of the European Green Deal and the Union’s strategy
to achieve a decarbonised economy by 2050 in a cost-effective way. The currently highenergy prices and the war in Ukraine have given renewed impetus to the need to save10

energy to ensure the European Union becomes independent from Russian fossil fuelimports as soon as possible.
As indicated in this plan, this requires both mid- to long-term, structural energy
efficiency measures as well as immediate changes. It will require appropriate pricesignals, smart use of scarce public funding and more private investments, and further
support along with accompanying policies for concrete action on the ground. It will
require stronger involvement of citizens, local and regional authorities and actors toensure strong ownership and quick deployment of the needed energy savings actions.
Implementing the recommendations and actions set out in this EU Save Energy
communication will make it possible for everyone to save energy and thereby contributeto Europe’s energy independence.

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Non-exclusive toolbox of measures to achieve immediate
energy savings
The below table introduces a non-exhaustive list of targeted measures able to generatesignificant energy savings in the short-term (over a one-year period). The indicatedestimated energy savings are dependent on a wide range of factors including the degree
to which individuals respond to publicity and information campaigns and otherincitements. In view of this they should be understood as purely indicative of the possible
magnitude of effect at EU level.
In addition, the impacts of the measures can overlap. For example, the same energy
savings might be achieved by the information campaign measures or by the increasing
the roll-out of EPCs and targeted energy checks. In view of this, it is not possible to sum
the estimated impacts to arrive at an overall energy saving figure.
Possible measures

Description of measures

Estimated
impacts in
one year(Mtoe)

Cross-cutting energy services and financing measures
Information campaign
on multiple energy
wastage in households
and small businesses

Targeted information campaign, inciting citizens
to turn down heating and boiler temperature,
avoid consumption at peak hours, close doors,
turn off heating in unused rooms, switch-off
lights, block draughts, lower energy use in retailshops. This should also include advice services,such as one-stop-shops or energy efficiency kits,
for citizens and SMEs.

11 Mtoe

Certification andmaintenanceFree-of-charge advice, inspection, energy audits
and energy performance certificates to createawareness and provide recommendation onenergy savings, as well as spot checks in thermal
heating systems and fast-track maintenance toreduce wastage

3.5 Mtoe

Modify energy pricing
to encourage lower
energy use and fuelRemove preferential treatment of fossil fuels and 2.4 Mtoe
flat rates for energy. Introduce progressive
tariffs and other solutions to foster savings andencourage switch from gas to electricity

Encourage purchase of
more efficient
appliances

Member States to provide information andincentives. The EPREL consumer interface
provides readily accessible comparable
information.

Roll-out of innovative
financing practices andfurther support
ESCOs

Fast-track innovative financing schemes and
0.7 Mtoefinancial products can support the increased
uptake of energy efficiency measures andgenerate energy savings in the short-term (on-tax
and on-bill financing schemes, energy efficiency
12mortgages, ESCOs financing)
Introduce smart control and monitoring ofcentralised district heating sub-stations, which
are unequipped to ensure control and eliminate
supply temperature fluctuations and the increase
flow of hot water to radiators

2.5 Mtoe

Heating and airconditioning use inbuildings

Default settings on condensing boilers can often
be adjusted to increase efficiency and save up to
8% of the energy used to heat rooms and water.

2.5 Mtoe

Speedy heat pumps
roll-out throughdedicated financing
incentives

Activate financing and fiscal incentives for fast- 1.5 Mtoe
tracked heat pumps roll-out, for example
through VAT reduction and energy efficiency
obligation. Bonus grants to replace fossil-fuelbased boilers to direct offset natural gas demand.

Building automationand energy
management systems

Encourage fitting of Building automation andcontrol systems (BACS) that monitor andautomatically adjust energy use in buildings.

1.5 Mtoe

Provide information on Address easy to install insulation measures in
attics and roofs, and through high performanceeasy to installinsulation measures in windows and double-glazingbuildings

1.5 Mtoe

Smarter control
practices in district
heating sub-stations

Buildings

Industry
Energy audits andactions to address heatloss

Incentivise heat loss audits and actions to avoid
heat losses from high temperature processes.
Encourage SMEs to carry out audits.

2.5 MtoeAccelerate andfinancially support the
replacement of fossil
fuel systems withrenewables

Incentives, such as tax breaks or subsidies, toaccelerate the replacement of fossil fuel systems
with renewables, particularly in existingbuildings with boilers more than 12 years old.

5 MtoeAs regards transport, various ‘win-win’ measures could be taken at local, regional or
national levels as illustrated in the table below, in line with the Sustainable and Smart
Mobility Strategy and particularly the new urban mobility policy framework. These
actions can be quickly put in place or accelerated by public authorities, transport
operators and employers or other agents (individually as per measure) can be quickly put
in place or accelerated.
Possible measure

Potential
impact(dependingon thespecificdesign)Description of the measure

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Reinforce theadoption ofelectric and more
efficient cars,
vans, trucks and
buses

High

 Continued/extended public support for sustainable
vehicle purchase Dedicated support schemes for specialized andcaptive fleets (taxis, shared fleets, logistic fleets,
buses)
 Investment in publicly accessible recharging andrefueling infrastructure (public and private market
actors) Support for the deployment of private recharging
infrastructure (at home/in offices/in businesses) bymeans of subsidies or tax incentives
 Investment in zero emissions public transport
infrastructure with the aim of reducing private car
usage (metro, tram, metropolitan trains, trolleybus)

Encourage
reducing speed
while driving

Medium tohigh Reducing motorway speeds
 Recommend reduced-speed zones in urban areas
 Develop car-free zones to facilitate soft mobility

Reduce the priceMedium toof public transport highand rail Price reduction for public and rail transport based on

Incentivize
walking, cycling
and micromobility in cities

Medium tohigh Support for free bike sharing and other micromobility solutions
 Incentivizing bike purchases through bike purchasesubsidies or tax/VAT reductions
 Incentives/rewards for employees that use public
transport or active modes for commuting to work
 Investing in new bike lanes in and around/towards
cities Promoting/incentivizing last-mile delivery by cargo
bike or smaller delivery e-vehicles
 Increasing possibilities to travel on public transport(train, metro) with a bike

Promote more
efficient driving
and operation of
freight vehicles
and delivery of
goods

Medium Ensuring better/full loading of heavy-duty vehicles
through better planning/data Optimising multi-modal delivery solutions,
including through last-mile zero-emission solutions
and pick up stations
 Offering eco-drive training Accelerating rollout of ITS services

Car free days

Low tomediumOrganizing car free days in cities

Adapt existingroad charging
schemes

Low tomediumRoad charging schemes reducing congestion during
peak times and/or incentivizing more sustainable
vehiclespublic support to operators1415