European Commission eases energy-efficiency funding rules

News Article - 05 December 2008
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Accounting for carbon emissions in new homes may become easier following the adoption of a proposal by the European Commission.

The proposal involves the relaxation of rules on funding for energy-efficient housing projects and now needs ratification from the European Council and Parliament to move forward.

Currently, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) can only provide investment for work on common areas of a building or social housing in disadvantaged urban areas.

However, the proposal means that all types of building will be able to benefit from the fund, which provides investment for energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.

"This is a win-win measure. It will save energy, cut emissions, bring down fuel bills for the most vulnerable in society and help the construction industry and SMEs [small and medium-sized businesses] in particular," said Danuta Hubner, the commissioner for regional policy.

The government announced that it planned to invest in energy-efficiency schemes in its pre-Budget report last week.

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