Invest or divest; let me know what you want me to do: Letter from Tony Robson, CEO of Knauf Insulation to the European Commission
In the coming days the European Commission will be taking one of its most important decisions in recent years; whether to be ambitious on energy saving in its Climate and Energy strategy for 2030 and in turn drive economic growth, job creation and massive energy security gains, or to shy away from ambition and the opportunity that energy efficiency offers.
In the coming days the European Commission will be taking one of its most important decisions in recent years; whether to be ambitious on energy saving in its Climate and Energy strategy for 2030 and in turn drive economic growth, job creation and massive energy security gains, or to shy away from ambition and the opportunity that energy efficiency offers. The decision would seem like a no-brainer yet the European Commission is considering an energy-saving goal for 2030 of less than 30%; a target that is little more than business as usual and will trap Europe into another decade of grossly wasteful expenditure on new energy infrastructure and lead us towards an even greater dependence on foreign energy, a target that will drive investments in the energy efficiency market out of Europe.
In a letter to all Heads of Cabinet of the European Commission, Tony Robson, CEO of Knauf Insulation has urged the European Commission to reflect on their decision in the coming days given that efficiency companies look to the regulatory context in Europe as the main driver for future market development. “For once it seems that there are only benefits to go for ambition”, he says. “So for Europe and for the future of European industry I ask that you be bold and make it clear that you want us to continue to invest in Europe and not look elsewhere for our growth”.
The Communication on Energy Efficiency within the context of the 2030 Climate and Energy Package is expected to be published on 23 July.