The Energy Council on 10 June called for efforts to tap the potential for higher energy savings of buildings, transport and products. Energy efficiency is a key tool in combating climate change and one of the most cost effective ways to ensure energy supply.

The Council agreed that consumers must be provided with clear, objective and transparent information as to the energy efficiency of products, including ecodesign and labelling. Campaigns could raise consumers' awareness of the energy consumption of products over their entire lifetime. Member states are invited to apply high efficiency standards when purchasing goods (e.g. information and communication equipment). This should also apply to services for example in connection with the refurbishment, operation and maintenance of buildings. When acquiring new buildings, public institutions are encouraged to choose a nearly zero-energy standard. The public transport fleet could include electric and hybrid vehicles.

In relation with these measures, the Commission estimates indicate that the EU will not meet its objective of 20% energy savings by 2020, if this continue along current lines. The transition to a resource efficient energy use is, according to the Council, vital.

This improvement in EU's energy efficiency will have advantages such as protecting the environment through energy savings and contribute to reaching the 2020 target of a 20% reduction in greenhouse gases; it will benefit consumers by helping them save money; and it will create employment through a competitive low-carbon economy.