Energy consumption in buildings
Buildings (heating, air conditioning, hot water, lighting, etc.) account for 40 % of the energy consumed in Europe. In France, it is the economic sector which consumes the most energy (2/3 in the housing sector and 1/3 in the tertiary sector); this represents almost 1 ton of oil per person per year and is the source of at least 21 % of the nation's cO2 emissions.
This consumption is experiencing a sharp rise. In France, it has increased by 30 % over the last 30 years due to the increase in the number of houses, in average occupied surface, increased comfort and the more widespread use of electricity.
Energy efficiency targets
The building sector could save large amounts of energy. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), over a fifth of energy consumption and more than 45 million tons of CO2 could be avoided in Europe by 2010.
In the long term, it...
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