RICS has co-signed a letter calling on European policy makers to focus on the security of supply, competitiveness and climate benefits of energy efficiency during the European Summit.
RICS has co-signed a letter calling on European policy makers to focus on the security of supply, competitiveness and climate benefits of energy efficiency during the European Summit.
The letter maintains that efforts to improve energy efficiency would accelerate economic recovery and could 'rapidly create hundreds of thousands of high quality, long-lasting, non-transferrable and European-based jobs'. Moreover, a forceful European drive for energy efficiency would create a competitive advantage for European companies selling and developing energy efficiency products and services.
The letter also stresses that greater energy efficiency could lessen future energy price volatility and thus prevent undue stress to EU businesses. Additionally, energy efficiency investments can significantly improve health and standard of life through better air quality as well as reduced energy bills and fuel poverty, the letter states.
'However, these results will not be achieved without a clear commitment and focus from the highest levels of EU policy-making', states the letter. Energy efficiency must be 'the first order priority for the EU's economic recovery and the new "EU2020" strategy.'
