The road to reducing CO2 emissions and energy use in Europes buildings
Mandatory Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in the UK and Display Energy Certificates (DECs), in England & Wales, for buildings were introduced to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions. The intention is to raise awareness of energy efficiency and to encourage the use of efficient buildings through new construction and retrofitting.
The effects of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in contributing to climate change have been widely publicised and continue to be. Buildings in the UK account for a substantial part of Carbon Dioxide emissions, a significant greenhouse gas (GHG) contributor.
The information video outlines the general position on climate change, greenhouse gases and Europe's energy use. The video has been provided for informational purposes only.
Arriving at EPCs & DECs: The United Nations Framework Convention
Over a decade ago, most countries in the world joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The UNFCCC began to consider measures to mitigate global warming and adapt to inevitable temperature increases.
Kyoto Protocol: A Turning Point
The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997 and entered into force on 16 February 2005. 183 Parties of the Convention have ratified its Protocol to date. The detailed rules for implementing the Protocol were adopted at COP 7 in Marrakesh in 2001 and are called the Marrakesh Accords.
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialised countries and the European Community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This amounts to an average 5% reduction relative to 1990 levels during 2008-2012.
Recognising that developed countries are principally responsible for the current high levels of GHG emissions in the atmosphere, arising from more than 150 years of industrial activity, the Protocol places a heavier burden on developed nations under the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities.” The United States of America did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol.
What is Climate Change: Why Reduce CO2
There are three reasons the EU is interested in reducing energy use and associated CO2 emissions: finite natural resources, which may lead to future shortages; energy supply security; and the environmental impacts of fossil fuels.
Climate change is among the most frequently cited reasons for reducing CO2 emissions. The most significant contributor to Climate Change is believed to be the increase in the greenhouse effect caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Fossil fuels are burned to produce the energy required for everyday life; as they are burned, CO2 emissions are released. Most scientists believe that an increasing greenhouse effect is leading to higher average global temperatures and changes in the distribution of weather events.
Reducing the amount of energy by using it more efficiently and generating energy through methods minimising the use of fossil fuels (building and maintaining wind turbines involves fossil fuels) CO2 emissions can be reduced.
This video briefly explains the background of climate change and the need for reduced CO2 emissions.
