Energy Efficiency First principle

The Energy Efficiency First (EEF) principle is a foundational concept in contemporary energy policy, emphasising the prioritisation of energy efficiency in all energy production and consumption decisions. This principle mandates that energy-saving measures should be considered and implemented before investing in new energy supply infrastructure. By embedding energy efficiency at the forefront of energy policy, the EEF principle aims to maximise energy savings, enhance cost-effectiveness, ensure sustainability, and integrate efficiency considerations into all energy planning and decision-making levels.

Goal and Objectives

The primary goal of the Energy Efficiency First principle is to prioritise energy efficiency in all energy-related decisions, ensuring that energy-saving measures are considered before investments in new energy supply infrastructure. The objectives associated with this principle include:

1. Maximising Energy Savings: Ensuring that energy efficiency measures are implemented to their fullest potential to reduce overall energy consumption.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: Prioritizing energy efficiency solutions that offer the most cost-effective means of meeting energy demand.
3. Sustainability: Contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the transition to a sustainable and climate-neutral economy.
4. Integration: Embedding energy efficiency considerations into all energy planning and decision-making processes.

Methodologies or Approaches for Implementation

To implement the Energy Efficiency First principle effectively, the following methodologies and approaches are recommended:

1. Policy Integration: Ensuring that energy efficiency is a fundamental consideration in developing energy policies, regulations, and plans at the EU and member state levels.
2. Investment Decisions: Prioritizing investments in energy efficiency measures over new energy supply infrastructure, where these measures can achieve the same outcomes more cost-effectively.
3. Regulatory Measures: Implement regulations that consider energy efficiency in various sectors, including buildings, transportation, and industry.
4. Economic Incentives: Providing financial incentives and support mechanisms to encourage the adoption of energy efficiency technologies and practices.
5. Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders across all sectors to promote the benefits of energy efficiency and encourage the adoption of best practices.

Integration with EED Goals and Key Elements

The Energy Efficiency First principle is integral to the overarching goals of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and supports several key elements:

• Energy Efficiency Targets: The principle directly supports the achievement of energy efficiency targets by ensuring that all feasible energy-saving measures are considered and implemented before expanding energy supply.
• Alignment with Higher Climate Neutrality Goals: By prioritising energy efficiency, the principle contributes to the EU’s higher climate neutrality goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the transition to a sustainable energy system.
• Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency: The Energy Efficiency First principle highlights the multiple benefits of energy efficiency, such as cost savings, improved energy security, and environmental protection, reinforcing the importance of energy efficiency measures.
• Heating and Cooling Planning: In heating and cooling planning, the principle ensures that energy efficiency measures, such as building insulation and efficient heating systems, are prioritised over new heating and cooling supply infrastructure.
• Heat and Cooling Supply: For heat and cooling supply, the principle advocates for the adoption of efficient technologies and systems, such as district heating and cooling, to minimise energy losses and improve overall efficiency.
• Transformation, Transmission, and Distribution: In the transformation, transmission, and distribution of energy, the principle promotes the implementation of measures to reduce energy losses and enhance the efficiency of energy networks.
• Exemplary Role of the Public Sector: The public sector is encouraged to lead by example and demonstrate the application of the Energy Efficiency First principle in public policies, procurement, and operations.
• Exemplary Role of Public Buildings: Public buildings serve as showcases for energy efficiency measures, with the principle guiding the implementation of cost-effective energy-saving technologies and practices.
• Energy-Efficient Public Procurement: Energy-efficient public procurement practices are aligned with the principle, ensuring that public purchases prioritise energy-saving products and services.
• Energy Saving Obligations and Obligation Schemes: The principle underpins energy-saving obligations and schemes by mandating that energy providers achieve energy savings through efficiency measures rather than increasing energy supply.
• Energy Audits and Energy Management: Energy audits and energy management practices are essential for identifying and implementing energy efficiency measures that align with the principle.
• Efficiency in Data Centers: For data centres, the principle advocates for adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce their significant energy consumption.
• Billing Information: Providing detailed and accurate billing information helps consumers understand their energy use and encourages the adoption of energy efficiency measures, supporting the principle.
• Awareness Rising: Raising awareness about the benefits of energy efficiency and the Energy Efficiency First principle is crucial for fostering a culture of energy conservation among consumers and businesses.
• Empowering and Protecting Vulnerable Consumers: Ensuring that vulnerable consumers can benefit from energy efficiency improvements protects them from energy poverty and aligns with the principle’s inclusive approach.
• Energy Professionals: Enhancing the skills and qualifications of energy professionals ensures they can effectively implement the Energy Efficiency First principle in their work.
• Energy Services: Promoting energy services, such as energy performance contracting, provides the expertise and financial solutions necessary for implementing energy efficiency measures, supporting the principle.
• National Energy Efficiency Fund and Financing: Establishing national energy efficiency funds and other financing mechanisms supports deploying energy efficiency projects, ensuring adequate funding for initiatives aligned with the principle.
• National Technical Support: Providing technical support at the national level facilitates the implementation of the Energy Efficiency First principle, offering guidance and resources to stakeholders.

By integrating the Energy Efficiency First principle across these key elements, the EED ensures a comprehensive approach to improving energy efficiency, driving cost-effective energy savings, and supporting the EU’s broader climate and energy goals.

Additional resources

1. Energy Efficiency First: from principles to practice — Guidelines and examples for its implementation in decision-making in the energy sector and beyond: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021H1749&qid=1643799901520%20#d1e39-14-1
2. What does the energy efficiency first principle mean in practice: https://enefirst.eu/wp-content/uploads/WSED2021_ENEFIRST_paper.pdf
3. Applying the Energy Efficiency First principle in sustainable finance: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/20330c99-7df5-11ee-99ba-01aa75ed71a1/language-en?WT.mc_id=Searchresult&WT.ria_c=37085&WT.ria_f=3608&WT.ria_ev=search&WT.URL=https%3A%2F%2Fenergy.ec.europa.eu%2F
4. Analysis to support the implementation of the energy efficiency first principle in decision-making: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/b9cc0d80-c1f8-11eb-a925-01aa75ed71a1/language-en/format-PDF/source-292832016