Deputy Oana Ozmen: “We need to update the legislation on energy efficiency”

“When it comes to energy efficiency bills, I have seen that there is unanimity in Parliament. It is important to update the legislation regarding energy efficiency, but we must also take into account a series of criteria related to the objectives proposed by PNRR.

We have 2.2 billion euros available through PNRR to develop in-depth renovation projects. According to data released by the Ministry of Development, more than 51 percent of requests from local authorities show that there is a growing interest among local communities to make public institutions such as hospitals and schools more energy efficient,” Oana Ozmen, Secretary of the Committee on Industries and Services, Deputy, Romanian Parliament said during Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan Conference 2022 organized by The Diplomat-Bucharest.

“Energy efficiency also means a discussion about building materials, materials whose cost has exploded recently. The money that has been allocated in this sector will not be enough at the end of the execution works.

I want to see a balance at the end of next year regarding the requests that turn into concrete projects. We want a reduction in energy bill costs.

Another important aspect is that of awareness projects among children. I was pleasantly surprised to see that there are children who have knowledge of energy efficiency, who know what environmentally friendly materials mean.

Many local communities do not have enough funds for such projects and it is important to think of a long-term strategy for the energy efficiency of buildings.

By the end of this parliamentary session we will complete an energy efficiency project. I believe that there must be close cooperation between politicians and the business community.

I hope that we will be able to respect that objective that Romania has assumed, respectively 35% of the buildings in Romania will be renovated by 2030.

The legislation of each country must relate to new realities when it comes to low energy consumption. And let’s not forget that we have this component of heritage buildings, of historic buildings, which I want to preserve so that our children and grandchildren can also enjoy their beauty. I am optimistic and I think that each of us is needed and it all depends on how we spend this money from PNRR.

We need to have a vision for the future and a good collaboration between the decision makers. We must not forget the secondary legislation, which is essential when it comes to the implementation of successful programs.”

Full recording of the conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5f1JNCEe-I&t=5504s