The European Commission has proposed new legislation to improve the overall energy efficiency of buildings which will help Europe achieve a 20% reduction in energy consumption by 2020.

The proposal places particular emphasis on the need for public sector leadership on this issue. This includes provisions which would require EU Governments to establish national action plans setting ambitious intermediate targets for zero/low carbon public sector buildings by 2015 and long term targets by 2020. Other proposed measures include new requirements for small public sector buildings to obtain and display energy performance certificates and early public sector compliance with the legislation.

In order to shape an NHS response to this proposal, the NHS European Office has prepared a briefing and is seeking views from NHS trusts by 19 December 2008.

To provide your trusts views please contact Tracy.Cook@nhsconfed.org.