Questions & Answers

ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDINGS (EeB) Tuesday 13th of April, 2010

Talking about standards, what type of standards are you talking about? (G. Desruelles)

The is a need for standards, norms that make sure that in Europe we are talking about the same thing and that we do work as a single market, which is far from the case in the construction sector right now. We are talking about standards and norms at all levels, from the way we measure the energy efficiency to construction products. It is also a critical aspect to achieve marketable results after the research projects.

The EeB PPP projects should be in line and support the Lead Market Initiative on Sustainable Construction launched by DG Enterprise, to lower barriers to bring new products or services onto the market.

Is there a data base/repository containing the progress on RTD and the references of the related institutions/companies? (I. Calvo)

All the official information can be found at the European Commission databases and websites, such as Cordis and Research Participants Portal. You can also find some information at the ECTP and E2B website.

How do “cloud computing” capabilities fit in as underlying technologies to enable the implementation of the vision? (All)

Information and Communication technologies are key energy efficiency enabling technologies to achieve the vision. Cloud Computing and other specific technologies or strategies of the ICT domain fit within the strategy as far as the can contribute to improve the efficiency of future buildings and cities, as well as for the generation of new services and business models.

In the EeB PPP a lot of attention seems to be given to the technologies and to the construction industry (or at least to its point of view), but what about a particular and very important net of actors- the architects? What is being done in order to bring them on board and make them aware of the issues that are critical to the success of the endeavours of this partnership?

Of course, the EeB PPP is a consequence of the activities carried out in the European Construction Technology Platform and later on in the Energy Efficient Buildings Association (E2BA), and therefore the construction industry has taken a leading role of this initiative.

When we say “construction industry”, we are considering the whole supply and value chain related to energy efficient building. In fact, the ECTP and E2BA are open to the participation of any actor active in research on this field. As an example, currently entities coming from materials, chemicals, steel, cement, HVAC, engineering, architecture, renewable energy technologies, information and communication technologies,… are participating in the initiative.

Concerning the participation of architects, they are already active in the initiative. Apart from individual entities, the Architects Council of Europe (ACE), which represents the views of the European architects, is a very active member of ECTP and E2BA. Through ACE the information is channelled European wide.

As pointed out by L. Bourdeau: SMEs are very important by number but little innovative. Do we need a paradigm shift to go from a vertical supply by SMEs to a more horizontal orientation of the SMEs?. If yes, which instruments are needed? What can the ECTP/E2BA do there? How can RTD help here?. Shall we discuss this issue more intensively?(L. Bourdeau but also rest of the panel)

The ECTP and the EeB PPP pay special attention to SMEs. In fact, they represent more than 90% of the construction sector. As a consequence, the first call of the EeB PPP has shown a higher participation of industry and SMEs in particular, compared to FP7.

There SMEs of many types, vertical, horizontal, very and little innovative… We think that the instruments are already there but we should work on the simplification of procedures to favour the participation of SMEs in research projects.

There are strategic decisions of SMEs that are more related to the business strategy. RTD activities should contribute to improve the competitiveness of the company, the generation of new and better products, services and business models that may lead to new business opportunities.

The ECTP has an Advisory Group for SMEs where these aspects can be further discussed.

What about a greater cross interaction with other sectors apart from the construction industry? There is a lot to gain and, on the other hand, many problems are related (eg demographic evolution). Is there a plan to get joint calls where experts from different fields are brought together? Are IPs for such large area the right instrument? (All)

E2B has a specific objective. However, there are other complementary initiatives and platforms that have been considered and consulted in the elaboration of the Multi-annual Implementation Plan.

When we say “construction industry”, we are considering the whole supply and value chain related to energy efficient building. In fact, the ECTP and E2BA are open to the participation of any actor active in research on this field. As an example, currently entities coming from materials, chemicals, steel, cement, HVAC, engineering, architecture, renewable energy technologies, information and communication technologies,… are participating in the initiative.

Concerning the instruments, we are currently using the FP7 instruments that are considered suitable for the PPP strategy: Collaborative Projects (Large Scale, Small and Medium Scale, Focussed on SMEs) and Coordination and Support Actions.

What are the intentions to work with international partners such as Japan and US. Is there any intention to set up a Cooperation Agreement and organise a joint call? (All)

The Commission is currently working in this area and US and Russia has expressed interest in the field of energy efficient buildings. In the short term there is no planned joint calls, but it all depends on the different parties show willingness and interest.

EUROPEAN GREEN CARS INITIATIVE (EGCI) Wednesday 14th of April, 2010

Shouldn’t there also be a policy measure to convince the European citizen to demand green and electric vehicles?

The European Commission has proposed already back in 2005 that passenger car taxation should take into account CO2 emission of individual vehicles to give a clear market signal in favour of low emission vehicles. Unfortunately. Member States could not the unanimous agreement required for the adoption of legislation on taxation on Community level. In the meantime, a number of Member States have voluntarily introduced such differentiation within the vehicle taxes they apply.

The Clean Vehicles Directive (2009/33/EC) requires for the procurement decisions on all vehicles for public transport the lifetime impact of energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and pollutant emissions to be taken into account. The Directive has to be transposed by the Member States by 4 December 2010. This Directive will give support to clean and energy efficient vehicles, in particular in public transport.

The new Commission Communication on a European strategy on clean and energy efficient vehicles (COM(2010186) announces several additional actions the Commission will take to promote the market uptake of clean and energy efficient vehicles, such as issuing guidelines on financial incentives to consumers, a revision of the energy taxation Directive, and improve the coordination of Member States measures in the area of vehicle taxation.

Is there not a contradiction between projects aiming at reducing the use of individual car use and the fact that the Community wants to increase the sales of cars (in a context where the car industry is facing a lot of difficulties)?

EU policy, as outlined in the mid-term review of the White Paper on a common transport policy, is performance oriented, and does not favour or de-favour specific technologies or modes of transport. It takes an approach of co-modality, recognising a place for all modes of transport. The overall objective is optimisation of transport efficiency and energy efficiency, and minimisation of negative impacts of transport, such as CO2 emissions, pollutant emissions. EU policy therefore aims at improving the performance of each mode through specific measures, and the performance of the transport system overall through measures considering the whole transport chain, such as improvement of transport management through the use of intelligent transport system, radio navigation, and a seamless connectivity of the different modes, both for passenger and for freight transport.

What type of education actions on pollution reduction and green cars are being promoted at regional level?

From the Valencian Agency of Energy, we are carrying out both training courses and dissemination actions in energy savings and energy efficiency. We are also promoting the use of renewable energy. Such actions range from workshops to more specialized training courses. Thus, from the AVEN, we are providing training courses in efficient driving techniques of both passengers cars and commercial vehicles (trucks and buses), training courses for managers in urban mobility, courses in energy certification of buildings, best practices in energy efficiency for public lighting, etc. We have also organized several seminars to raise awareness of the "Green Cars" in differents forums, with small exhibits of vehicles to give a more practical sense. Moreover, the AVEN promotes the publications on best practices for energy efficiency and renewables, such as eco-driving manuals, efficiency savings guides for several industrial and service sectors, ESCO’s guide for Local Authorities, the solar thermal and photovoltaic guide, etc.

As a micro-enterprise, we have difficulties in finding financial support to implement a plan for sustainable urban mobility based on a three-wheel moped… how could we have access to direct sponsorship to put into action this plan?

Micro-companies can also take part in R&D proposals, as any other enterprise, and they benefit for the 75% funding rate of elligible costs established for SMEs.

Are two or three wheeled vehicles excluded from the Green Cars initiative?

No, they are not excluded. In fact, in the first call for R&D proposals launched in July 2009, there was a topic titled “advanced vehicle concepts” that did not limit the type of vehicle to be addressed within the proposals.

When electric cars start running, how is the increase in demand of electricity going to be managed?

This should not really be a problem. There is normally enough capacity if charging is done in a controlled way, so when demand is low. If charging is done at peak moments there may be a challange to find the last power unit in the system.

Can a private enterprise opt to ELENA funds? If only public entities are eligible, how can a private company participate in those projects? Do ELENA launch open calls? Where are ELENA calls published?

Unfortunately ELENA funds are only available for public entitites. However, under the aegis of a public entity, a private company can participate as a consultant or as an associated partner (but it would not receive funds). ELENA does not launch open calls: the process is open and the rule is first-in first-out. You can send your proposal at any time before the end of 2011. All information about ELENA funding opportunities can be found through: elena@eib.org

Any prediction (estimations) on the upcoming infrastructure (charging stations, maintenance, adaptation of existing infrastructure, security aspects…) costs in cities and in the short, medium and long term?

This is in fact a very difficult estimation exercise. Some studies in order to try to estimate the financial needs have been started, but they have not produced estimations so far. Each city may have quite different needs and the number of unknowns might also be substantial: technical difficulties (types of fleets and recharge needs and points locations…) as well as financial (possible participation of the private sector, for instance, or available fiscal incentives.

On the other side, the table in Dr. Belmans’ presentation makes it clear. If charging at home is choosen for, no real costs will be incurred. For charging everyware the power infrastructure cost is very limited, but there is a lot of ICT cost. Fast charging and exchanging batteries incure a lot of grid and related investmenst.