Parliament goes eco-friendly

By Emily Smith

Date: 27/04/06

Europeans could learn a lot about energy from MEPs, according to environmentalists.

The European Parlia-ment's administration announced on Wednesday (26 April) that it was installing solar panels on the roof of its Brussels building to heat water for its politicians.

The change is expected to cut Parliament's CO2-emissions by about 4.5 tonnes per year, as well as saving 22,300 kilowatt hours of electricity.

Uwe Brechlin of the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation said the other EU institutions had no excuse to lag behind Parliament: "Heating and cooling with renewable energies can be achieved anywhere in Europe, even in Brussels, where it rains so often."

Mahi Sideridou of Greenpeace said it was "reassuring to witness one of the EU institutions taking a concrete action, albeit small, on global warming and not just talking about it. It certainly sends a better signal than Mr Barroso's recent SUV [sports utility vehicle] acquisition".

Parliament is the first of the EU institution buildings to install solar panels.

But the European Commission will next week (3 May) be awarded an Eco-Management and Audit Scheme award for its environmentally friendly Berlaymont building.

The Berlaymont uses natural heat and light to reduce its need for heating and air-conditioning.

The European Parliament's administration announced on 26 April 2006 that it was installing solar panels on the roof of its Brussels building to heat water for its politicians.