Finally – three cheers for efficient boilers!

Coolproducts, a coalition of NGOs from all across Europe working to ensure ecodesign policy works for Europeans and the environment, finally had something to celebrate this week.  One would not think it would be that difficult to approve minimum energy performance standards for boilers, but it has been a very difficult road, indeed.  In fact, that road has lasted more than five years, with growing frustration on all sides mounting.  But, finally, there is reason to cheer, as shown by the Coolproducts press release.

Dramatic energy savings voted through without fanfare

Sometimes big things can happen without fanfare, and we have a feeling today is one of those days. It passed quietly behind closed doors but Europe took a big step towards dramatically cutting carbon emissions by voting today on ecodesign rules for boilers, which represent about one quarter of our total CO2 emissions.

The vote should be celebrated as a big day for energy policy in Europe, having a huge impact on our CO₂emissions to help fight climate change and save money on everyone’s energy bills. The specifics of the vote will likely not come out till later next week but already the signs are good.

The vote by member states, which has been delayed for five years, will save a total of 110 Million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually by 2020, the equivalent to the household energy consumption of about 80 million EU citizens and about 12% of Europe’s current 2020 energy efficiency target. Every day the decision was delayed cost Europeans around €50 million.

There were some underhand attempts by certain industry groups to delay or undermine this essential regulation, but Coolproducts is delighted this Ecodesign regulation on boilers has finally passed.

After five years of discussions, disagreements and arguments – showing what the importance of what was at stake – Coolproducts is delighted the vote finally happened and thanks all those who made it possible for their hard work.

This vote followed the adoption of energy labelling regulations for heating appliances last month.