Europeans are chasing waste

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Russian gas is becoming increasingly scarce: 12 countries are already suffering from a drop in their supply, through total or partial cuts. To avoid shortages this winter, Europeans have therefore launched both the race for new suppliers and the hunt for waste. Objective: to reduce their consumption by at least 15% as recommended by Brussels.

Everywhere, the administration is the first to lead by example. In Germany – the measures were announced on Wednesday August 24 – heating will therefore be cut this winter in the halls and corridors of public buildings, only individual offices will be heated, to a maximum of 19 degrees. No more hot water either in the sinks of the toilets.

No more unnecessary lighting: from Berlin to Madrid, the facades of public buildings and electronic billboards will remain dark from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Just like 200 historical monuments in the German capital – a city initiative. In Spain, store windows will also have to turn off from 10 p.m. Obligation that will apply “until November 2023“said the government yesterday.

When it’s hot, we also limit the air conditioning. In shopping centers, train stations and cinemas in Spain, it must not drop below 27°C degrees (in Italy it is 25°C). And all these premises have the obligation to install, before September 30, mechanisms to allow the automatic closing of the doors.

In Spain, although the executive of the socialist Pedro Sánchez does not have an absolute majority in the assembly, these controversial measures were voted by 187 votes against 161 (those of the right-wing parties) and one abstention. In the name of its low dependence on Russian gas and a certain “Iberian exception”, Madrid had nevertheless shown itself very reluctant at the beginning of the summer to take such measures, but in the second half of next year, the Spain will preside over the European Union: it could not fail to show a minimum of solidarity.

For its part, Greece has launched “operation thermostat”, which consists of installing protective screens in public buildings to limit the use of air conditioners. But above all a large renovation plan to change windows or cooling systems. 640 million euros are on the table. It is at this price that the country hopes to reduce its consumption by at least 10% this year and 30% in 2030.

At this stage, however, no country imposes restrictions on individuals. No obligation but incentives for individual eco-gestures and changes in behavior. Belgium, not in favor of coercive measures, preferred to launch a major information campaign to invite everyone to take their bike more often.

In Ireland – which is however not directly affected by the European savings plan – the national electricity distributor, Electric Ireland, gives plenty of tips for saving water in hotels and even asks consumers not to put more water than necessary in the kettle for the preparation of tea, a true national sport.

And if you lived in the Netherlands, as early as April you would have seen advertisements in the press urging you to take shorter showers. five minutes max.


source site-29