The Conference aimed to discuss the topic of energy efficiency at a high international level and to foster the dialogue on market-oriented solutions for the demand side and to support the ongoing policymaking process aimed at enhancing energy efficiency. A kick-off International Round Table on this item was initiated by the Commission on 1 February 2007 in Brussels.

Topics for discussion included the G8's Gleneagles Initiative, the European Commission's Energy Efficiency Action Plan, and the Member States' national energy efficiency action plans that have to be submitted to the Commission in June 2007 as part of the implementation of the Directive on End-Use Efficiency and Energy Services. Integrated action with the G8 initiative on energy efficiency would be of utmost importance.

The Conference is an initiative of the German government during its EU and G8 Presidencies. German Federal Minister of Economics and Technology Michael Glos stated that the economy and the environment need an appropriate, sustainable framework. This is one of the reasons why Germany made energy efficiency one of the priorities of its G8 and EU presidencies.

Wolfgang Tiefensee, Federal Minister of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs announced that Germany will introduce energy certificates for existing buildings by the end of 2007.

More information:

European Commission's Energy Efficiency Action Plan

G8 initiative on energy efficiency

Press Release Global Energy Efficiency Initiative: Commissioner Piebalgs at EU-G8 Conference in Berlin

Speech Piebalgs in pdf