US insulation know-how is global-warming weapon

Europe must learn from US experience if it hopes to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from buildings, according to research to be published on 12 June.

The report, from Eurima, the European association of insulation manufacturers, studied 29 ‘clean’ building projects from around the world. It concluded that a ‘one-stop service’ like that provided by the Energy-Rated Homes of Vermont (ERH-VT) programme was the most successful.

ERH-VT provides energy efficiency information and guidance at every stage of renovation or construction of a building.

The report concludes that in Europe, "while awareness of the need to act is high, what is missing is practical information about how to renovate a building and where to find the organisational support to deliver improvements".

A Eurima representative said that the information could be provided by setting up local or regional offices to answer energy efficiency questions from homeowners, designers and builders.

The EU energy efficiency action plan last year singled out improvements to buildings as an important way to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Jarlath O’Neill of OBK Architects - the Irish member of European architects group Equator - said a one-stop shop for energy efficiency information would be welcomed by architects.

He said: "There are so many regulatory changes on energy and energy efficiency. It’s almost a full- time job just keeping up with the trends."

O’Neill said a national or regional efficiency information bureau would be more appropriate than EU action.

But Mahi Sideridou of Greenpeace said governments were ignoring the tools already available to make the necessary energy efficiency improvements to buildings. "The way to improve buildings’ energy efficiency is very straightforward," she said. "Member states just need to implement the EU buildings directive. Unfortunately the majority have still not even transposed it."

The 2002 energy performance of buildings directive aims to reduce energy consumption, by setting efficiency standards for heating, cooling and ventilation in new large construction products.

The Commission has started legal action against 19 member states for missing the January 2006 transposition deadline.

Europe must learn from US experience if it hopes to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from buildings, according to research to be published on 12 June.