91997E2404

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2404/97 by Ursula Schleicher (PPE) to the Commission (10 July 1997)

Subject: Reducing CO2 emissions

In its answer to question E-1218/97 ((OJ C 45, 10.2.1998. )), the Commission says that Council Directive 93/76/EEC ((OJ L 237, 22.9.1993, p. 28. )) of 13 September 1993 to limit carbon dioxide emissions by improving energy efficiency contains the following provision: 'Member States shall draw up and implement programmes so that new buildings receive effective thermal insulation, taking a long-term view, on the basis of standards laid down by the Member States, taking account of climatic conditions or climatic areas and the intended use of the buildings'.

Although the abovementioned answer says that the Commission will shortly be reporting on application of the directive, I should be grateful if the following question could be answered in advance:

How many Member States have submitted such programmes?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1997)

All the Member States have now submitted programmes on energy performance requirements for new buildings. The requirements generally specify the level of thermal insulation to be complied with, but allow other factors to be taken into consideration, such as internal gains, solar input and the energy efficiency of the heating installation.

These programmes are periodically reviewed and updated in line with policy developments and technical and scientific progress.

In addition to these provisions, the Commission has laid down an obligation to provide thermal insulation in buildings in Directive 89/106/EEC on construction products ((OJ L 40, 12.7.1989. )), particularly in respect of the essential requirement of energy saving.