Energy efficiency as a criterion for regulation in the European Community

Article abstract:

This article discusses the role of energy efficiency as a criterion for regulation in the European Community. It focuses on energy efficiency as a criterion for the regulation of products. For this reason, the IPPC Directive will not be discussed, however it also implements energy efficiency measures as a condition of the grant of an IPPC-style permit. First attention is drawn to the link between sustainable development, integrated product policy, security of supply and protection of the environment. Then, a brief introduction is given to present market barriers which hinder the production and consumption of more energy-efficient goods. The next three sections examine the European Community's view on its energy efficiency policy and focus therefore on primary legislation, secondary legislation and policy documents. Section VII explains the potential role public procurement can play in the energy efficiency policy. In this view, the article touches upon the Concordia Bus Finland and the Wienstrom cases and makes the connection with the new legislative package aimed at the harmonisation of the existing Public Procurement Directives before some general concluding remarks.