Energy Efficiency Finance Market Place

Energy Efficiency Finance Market Place is an initiative launched by the European Commission to support ongoing initiatives in energy renovation. The event was organised by the Executive Agency for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (EASME) in the frame of the Sustainable Energy Investment Forums.

From attendance perspective, the event is with no doubt a considerable success. More than 300 participants from all over Europe representing cities, regions, industry and financial institutions were present. Participants shared lessons learned from their ongoing initiatives and discussed success factors for financing energy efficiency. However, the most ambitious projects aim, at the best, at 60% energy savings and there was, almost, no evidence about the achieved savings.

At the time, zero energy renovation is technically feasible and economically viable, we should not be satisfied with projects aiming at 60% energy savings target, nor considering such projects as best practices. EU funding should be used only for projects coherent with Europe's obligations under the ratified Paris Climate Agreement. The question is about how to make this argument heard when more than 300 stakeholders are satisfied with low ambition?

Presentations and proceedings from the event are accessible online.