EU to seek cuts in heating, cooling of buildings and offices to save gas

DUBLIN: The European Union is preparing to impose tougher restrictions as a precaution against Russian gas cuts. The European commission is expected to urge EU countries to set limits on the amount of energy used by public buildings, offices, commercial properties and outdoor terraces. The energy saved in this way in summer can be used in winter. Efforts should also be made to reduce energy use through alternative systems in winter as well, for which the commission is also planning awareness campaigns.

The European Commission has recommended that public buildings should not be heated above 19 degrees Celsius and air-conditioning units should not be cooled below 25 degrees Celsius. The Commission reminds that a large amount of energy can be saved by introducing alternative systems for district heating and by using heat pumps in homes. There will be discussions and a decision regarding this in the meeting of energy ministers to be held on July 26.

The Commission is recommending action to regulate the use of gas in public buildings and offices. It says that reducing heat consumption by one degree Celsius this winter will bring huge energy savings.

The recommendations are part of measures aimed at reducing the EU’s gas consumption by 25 to 60 billion cubic metres per year. According to the International Energy Agency, the European Union imports 140 bcm of gas from Russia. At the same time, experts also point out that lowering the thermostat by one degree could cut a building’s heating bill by about 10%.