Page 14 - Environmental_Ecology

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3.2 EU Policy on energy recovery: analysing the energy efficiency of EU member states

In 2008, Guidelines on the interpretation of the R1 energy efficiency formula for incineration facilities
dedicated to the processing of Municipal Solid Waste according to Annex II of Directive 2008/98/EC on
waste. To date many EU Member States have failed to implement waste prevention practices and therefore
the regulations that have been set out by Waste Framework Directive of the EC. In general Southern and
Eastern Europe countries are shown to have the largest implementation gaps regarding their waste
management systems. Figure below illustrates EU Member States that have been performing above
(blue), below (purple) and average (green) regarding their waste management. 1

Source: http://www.waste2go.eu/downlo%20ad/1/D2.2_Waste%20profiling.pdf

A significant part of the Europe 2020 growth strategy has been sustainable growth towards a ‘smart,
sustainable and inclusive economy’ under the notion of the circular economy, while achieving lower
greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared to levels of 1990, generating 20% of its energy from
renewable sources and to increase energy efficiency by 20%. The framework of measures for the
promotion of energy efficiency is set out by Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency addressing the achievement of the 20% target on energy
efficiency in 2020.

In addition to those, the 2030 climate and energy framework covers EU-wide targets and policy
objectives for the period 2021 to 2030, with the main targets being: at least 40% cuts in greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions (from 1990 levels), at least 32% share for renewable energy and at least 32.5%
improvement in energy efficiency. Moreover the 2050 EU long-term strategy stresses the opportunities
that a climate neutral Europe may bring as well as challenges that may appear, without revising the 2030
targets or launching new policies.

1 According to the recommendation paper: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/12/19/3718/htm