In Europe, buildings account for 40% of all energy use, half of which could be saved through simple and effective measures, such as better insulation. Growing energy use is driving climate change through the associated increase in carbon dioxide emissions. Alongside this, the impact of the air pollution caused by energy use in buildings and cars is a particular problem in the urban environment.

Currently 50% of the EU's energy is imported and this is expected to rise to 70% by 2030. This dependence on foreign energy supplies puts Europe's economy at risk.

Europe is facing a double energy challenge. On one hand, growing demand for energy is expected to lead to a reliance on foreign energy supplies. On the other hand, Europe needs to drastically reduce CO₂ emissions well beyond the 8% currently agreed under the Kyoto Protocol in order to effectively combat climate change. Any solutions to this double challenge must be cost-effective.

Source: EURIMA