Progress on and methods for energy saving

Energy is one of the most important commodities of modern society. It must be used in the most economical way, being as sustainable as possible and causing minimal harm to society.

Prevented use of energy is energy that does not require fossil or renewable input. This makes it the most important of the three main energy goals as set in Europe: Energy saving, more renewables and less greenhouse gases.

Energy demand in households currently accounts for 25% of the final energy need in the EU. In the past, we have seenn the great potential for energy savings by using improved materials and technologies, and having stricter policies and regulations. This is especially the case in the built environment. For instance, in the Netherlands, natural gas consumption (the most common method for space heating) in households halved in the last 30 years. The main factors are better insulation, installation of double-glazed windows and increased efficiencies of the central heating boilers.

Plans for energy saving are an integral part of the European Union (EU) policies on energy. At the end of 2006, the EU pledged to cut its annual consumption of primary energy by 20% in 2020 compared to projections made from 2005 onwards.

During the last decade, the EU has issued multiple directives on energy labelling of electrical apparatus, such as dishwashers, lighting, etc. Comparable labelling is applied in the energy performance of cars and houses. This has promoted the development of new technologies such as LED lighting innovations, higher efficiency boilers, passive house technologies, micro-CHP, etc.

In which field do you expect to see the most progress on energy saving in the next few years?