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Limitation of CO2 emissions: SAVE Directive to improve energy efficiency

A Council Directive to limit carbon dioxide emissions by improving energy efficiency (Directive 93/76/EEC of 13.9.1993) sets out measures to be undertaken by the Member States in the context of the SAVE programme for promoting efficient use of energy in the Community (Council ...

A Council Directive to limit carbon dioxide emissions by improving energy efficiency (Directive 93/76/EEC of 13.9.1993) sets out measures to be undertaken by the Member States in the context of the SAVE programme for promoting efficient use of energy in the Community (Council Directive 91/565/EEC published in Official Journal OJ No L 307 of 8.11.1991). It is considered that a collective effort by all Member States, implying measures at Community level, is necessary in order to limit CO2 emissions and to promote the rational use of energy. The purpose of the present Directive is the attainment by Member States of these objectives, notably by drawing up and implementing programmes in the following fields: - Energy certification of buildings; - The billing of heating, air-conditioning and hot water costs on the basis of actual consumption; - Third-party financing for energy efficiency investments in the public sector; - Thermal insulation of new buildings; - Regular inspection of boilers; - Energy audits of undertakings with high energy consumption. Programmes may include laws, regulations, economic and administrative instruments, information, education and voluntary agreements whose impact can be objectively assessed. The Member States shall determine the scope of these programmes on the basis of potential improvements in energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, technical feasibility, and environmental impact. They shall report every two years to the Commission on the results of the implementation of these programmes, and in doing so shall inform the Commission of the choices they have made in their package of measures. Member States shall bring into force the laws and measures required to comply with the Directive no later than 31 December 1994.

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