The European Commission on Wednesday adopted a proposal, which will support national and regional measures that boost energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in low-income households.

Under the proposal, the European Union (EU) will co-finance national, regional or local authority schemes to install double-glazing, wall insulation and solar panels in housing.

"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 in particular," said Danuta Hubner, EU commissioner for regional policy.

Andris Pielbalgs, EU commissioner for energy, added "The residential sector is responsible for a quarter of energy consumption in Europe. With this measure we are going to help European citizens to improve the quality of their homes, while making a substantial contribution to our climate change and security of supply policies."

The commission, the executive body of the EU, hopes that the new policy will help inject dynamism into the economy, promote EU competitiveness and job creation, notably in the construction industry; improve know-how in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energies; and fight climate change.

Buildings alone are the source of 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. Much energy is wasted in buildings because of inefficient heating and air-conditioning systems and lighting, said the commission.

The proposal needs approval of EU member states and the European Parliament before it is implemented.

(Xinhua News Agency December 4, 2008)