EU policies and funding tools for energy sustainability in Tourism

Dr. Jan Geiss, Secretary General EUFORES – European Forum for Renewable Energy Sources

“Enterprises for Green Tourism Development” Conference9 May 2014, Albena, Bulgaria

EUFORESEuropean Forum for Renewable Energy Sources

“European Parliamentarians for a sustainable energy future”

• European Network of Members of Parliament for the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency (MEPs + MPs EU28)

• Forum for information and discussion among political decision makers and interface for exchange among MPs and related stakeholders

• Activities:– European Inter-Parliamentary Meetings– Monthly meetings of the EUFORES MEP-Group in the European Parliament– National parliamentary workshops– Briefings of the EU Council Presidency– Projects (Keep on track!, Energy-Efficiency-Watch etc.)

• Board of Presidents:Claude Turmes, MEP, President Fiona Hall, MEP, Vice-PresidentAnni Podimata, MEP, Vice-President

• EUFORES Extended Board – 20 MEPs• Active Members in many national parliaments

Challenges of the energy systems

• Climate & Environment• Energy Security and Geostrategic Implications

(e.g. Ukraine & Russia)• Global markets, Jobs, Competitiveness,

Innovation, Economic crisis• Long term cost development – internal and

external cost, Affordability and Social inclusion• Smart resource allocation – domestic wealth

Sustainable Solutions

• Sustainability: Economic, ecologic, social• Sustainable Options: Renewable Energy and

Energy Efficiency• Electricity, heating & cooling, transport

• Renewables Directive and National RES Action Plans

• Energy Efficiency Directive• European Performance of Buildings - EPBD• Labelling Directive• Etc.

EU Policies RES and EE

Latest political situation

• 2020: 20-20-20 targets– 20% RES on track now, but difficult without more ambition– 20% Efficiency: Only 17% expected including EED– 20% Greenhouse Gas Reduction: ETS non-functional

• 2030 discussion - Latest suggestions– European Commission disappointment– European Parliament leading (40%GHG, 40%EE, 30% RES)– Member States doubtful

• Outlook: stronger policies will come back

General challenges for sustainable tourism

• Preserving natural and cultural resources• Limiting negative impacts at tourist destinations, including use

of natural resources and waste production• Promoting the wellbeing of the local community• Reducing the seasonality of demand• Limiting the environmental impact of tourism related

transport• Making tourism accessible to all• Improving the quality of tourism jobs.

Sustainable Energy and Tourism - Reasons and drivers -

• Competitiveness and Cost• Marketing and green sustainable service, quality

holiday destinations• Ethical and business image• Economic development of regions – Business, jobs,

society• Long-term investment perspective:

– Compliance with recent and future legislation– Readiness for recent and future trends (energy cost,

customer expectations etc.)

Sustainable Energy and Tourism - Actors and Supply Chain -

• Booking sites and travel agencies• Transport companies• Hotels & restaurants• Political institutions• Citizens and stakeholders• Regions and Cities

EU funding options for energy sustainability in Tourism

• Horizon 2020 – research and market uptake• Life programme (Financial Instrument for the

Environment)• European Investment Bank Programmes• Structural Funds: RES and EE focus• Programme for the Competitiveness of

Enterprises and SMEs - COSME• Connecting Europe Facility

Conclusions

• Innovation, growth and competitiveness• Stable development of tourism sector avoiding bad

surprises• Sustainability approach is:

– best practice in business leadership– only successful choice in the future– Pays off

• Politics need to establish investment security and predictability – political leadership!

Dr. Jan GeissSecretary General

EUFORES – European Forum for Renewable Energy SourcesRenewable Energy House, Rue d’Arlon 63-65

B-1040 BrusselsT: +32 2 546 1948 - F: +32 2 546 1934

jan.geiss@eufores.org

www.eufores.orgwww.energy-efficiency-watch.org

www.keepontrack.eu

Thank you for your attention