Smart governments can help push the market in the right direction. The EUs 1994 law on labeling was such a success that it extended the same idea to entire buildings last year. To boost the market value of efficiency, all new buildings are required to have an energy pass detailing power and heating consumption. Countries like Japan and Germany have successively tightened building codes, requiring an increase in insulation levels but leaving it up to builders to decide how to meet them.
The most powerful incentives, of course, will come from the market itself. Over the past year, sky-high fuel prices have focused minds on efficiency like never before. Ever-increasing pressure to cut costs has finally forced more companies to do some math on their energy use.
Will it be enough? With global demand and emissions rising so fast, we may not have any choice but to try. Efficient technology is here now, proven and cheap. Compared with all other options, its the biggest, easiest and most profitable bang for the buck.
1. What is said to be best way to conserve energy nowadays?
A) Raising efficiency. B) Cutting unnecessary costs
C) Finding alternative resources. D) Sacrificing some personal comforts.
2. What does the European Union plan to do?
A) Diversify energy supply. B) Cut energy consumption.
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