3. Implementation status of EU Directives and Initiatives in Nordic countries

This chapter provides a detailed overview of the implementation status of key EU directives and initiatives within the Nordic countries.

Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, as EU member states, fully adopt EU directives and ensure compliance through national legislation. In contrast, Norway and Iceland, as part of the EEA, align closely with EU regulations but have some flexibility in their adoption timelines and implementation methods due to their non-EU status. The Faroe Islands, which are part of neither the EU nor the EEA, remain outside the scope of these directives and operate under independent national policies.

The implementation of key EU instruments into national regulations demonstrates the commitment and progress of Nordic countries in aligning their national goals with EU targets

Below is a description of the key EU directives and initiatives:

1. Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

European Commission, “Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.” Accessed: Nov. 21, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-efficient-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en

: The EPBD (2010/31/EU) set minimum energy standards for new and renovated buildings, promoted nZEB, and required EPCs. It also mandated energy system inspections and long-term renovation strategies to decarbonize building stocks by 2050, with a focus on smart technologies and renewable energy integration. The revised EPBD (EU/2024/1275), effective from May 2024, mandates that all new buildings meet Zero Emissions Building (ZEB) standards by 2030, and existing buildings be renovated to these standards by 2050. Member states must develop national renovation plans and introduce minimum energy performance standards for non-residential buildings. Additionally, a binding target requires a 16% improvement in residential energy performance by 2030, with further increases to 20–22% by 2035.

2. Ecodesign Directive

European Commission, “Ecodesign and Energy Label.” Accessed: Nov. 21, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu/ecodesign-and-energy-label_en

: This Directive (2009/125/EC) set the minimum energy efficiency and environmental standards for energy-related products sold in the EU, promoting durability, repairability, and recyclability. It aimed to guide consumer choices through energy labels and support the circular economy. The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), effective from July 2024, replaces the original Ecodesign Directive. It expands its scope to nearly all physical products and aims to improve sustainability by enhancing circularity, energy performance, and recyclability. The regulation has introduced stricter requirements for product durability, repairability, and reducing environmental impact, driving the EU’s transition to a circular economy and supporting innovation in recycling and remanufacturing.

3. Energy Labelling Framework Regulation

European Commission, “Ecodesign and Energy Label.” Accessed: Nov. 21, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu/ecodesign-and-energy-label_en

: This regulation (2017/1369) replaced the Directive 2010/30/EU and requires clear and consistent energy labels for household appliances and energy-related products. The scale (A to G) informs consumers about energy efficiency, encouraging them to choose more efficient products while driving innovation and market transformation.

4. Energy Efficiency Directive (EED)

European Commision, “Energy Efficiency Directive.” [Online]. Available: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-targets-directive-and-rules/energy-efficiency-directive_en

: The original EED (2012/27/EU) established binding energy-saving targets for EU member states and mandated annual public building renovations, energy audits for large industrial consumers, and improvements to metering and billing systems. The revised EED (EU/2023/1791) strengthens these requirements by setting energy-saving targets for each member state, mandating energy audits for large industrial energy consumers, and ensuring annual renovations of public buildings. It also requires energy suppliers to achieve yearly savings, improves metering and billing systems to empower consumers, and promotes efficient heating and cooling systems, including district energy solutions. The directive sets a binding target for the EU final energy consumption and defines rules for each member state’s share. It also mandates cumulative end-use energy savings from 2021 to 2030, with progressively increasing annual savings targets starting at 0.8% in 2021–2023 and reaching 1.9% in 2028–2030.

5. Renewable Energy Directive (RED)

European Parliament and The Council of The European Union, “Renewable Energy Directive.” Accessed: Nov. 21, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-directive-targets-and-rules/renewable-energy-directive_en

: The original RED (2009/28/EC) set a 20% renewable energy target by 2020, focusing on cooperation between EU countries and increasing renewable energy use in electricity, heating, and cooling. The revised directive EU/2018/2001 set a binding 32% renewable energy target by 2030. This directive was further updated to EU/2023/2413, adopted in 2023, which raises the target to at least 42.5% by 2030 and a goal of 45%. It introduces sector-specific targets for transport, industry, and cooling and includes measures to speed up permitting, support electric vehicle infrastructure, and improve bioenergy sustainability.

6. EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)

European Commission, “EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).” Accessed: Nov. 21, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-emissions-trading-system-eu-ets_en

: Launched in 2005, the EU ETS is the world’s largest carbon market that caps and trades emissions from power plants, industry, and aviation within Europe. It incentivizes emission reductions by setting a market price for carbon while allowing flexibility for companies to trade allowances. The system has evolved with stricter caps and expanded coverage to meet the EU’s climate goals.

7. Fit for 55

European Council, Council of the European Union, “Fit for 55.” Accessed: Nov. 21, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/fit-for-55/

: The ‘Fit for 55’ package is a comprehensive EU strategy to reduce GHG emissions by 55% by 2030 from the 1990 levels. It includes updates to directives and regulations, such as EPBD, EED, RED, and EU ETS, to align with the European Green Deal and climate neutrality goals.

8. The EU strategy on sector integration

European Commission, “EU strategy on energy system integration.” Accessed: Nov. 21, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-systems-integration/eu-strategy-energy-system-integration_en

, presented in July 2020, aims to optimise the energy system by linking various energy carriers (electricity, heat, gas, etc.), infrastructure, and consumption sectors. This integration is supported by the ‘Fit for 55’. This strategy focuses on electrification, flexibility, storage, hydrogen usage, and heating and cooling to deliver decarbonised, efficient energy services while reducing costs.

Table 19: Implementation status of EU directives and initiatives in Nordic countries.

Directive/Regulation/Initiative	Denmark	Finland	Iceland	Norway	Sweden
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Old version: 2010/31/EU; Revised version: EU/2024/1275)	The old version fully implemented since 2012 Ongoing implementation of the revised version	The old version fully implemented since 2013 Ongoing implementation of the revised version	The old version fully derogated due to geothermal conditions	The old version incorporated into the EEA Agreement and in force since 2023	The old version fully implemented, since 2012 Ongoing implementation of the revised version
Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC)	Fully implemented since 2010	Fully implemented since 2010	Incorporated into the EEA Agreement and in force since 2018	Fully implemented since 2011	Fully implemented since 2010
Energy Labelling Framework Regulation 2017/1369, (earlier directive 2010/30/EU)	Fully implemented since 2018	Fully implemented since 2018	Incorporated into the EEA Agreement and in force since 2021	Fully implemented since 2020	Fully implemented since 2017
Energy Efficiency Directive (Old version: 2012/27/EU Revised version: EU/2023/1791)	The old version fully implemented since 2014 Ongoing implementation of the revised version	The old version fully implemented since 2014 Ongoing implementation of the revised version	The old version derogated and the revised directive under evaluation as of 2024	The old version derogated and the revised directive under evaluation as of 2024	The old version fully implemented since 2014 Ongoing implementation of the revised version
Renewable Energy Directive (Old versions: 2009/28/EC and EU/2018/2001, Revised version: EU/2023/2413)	The old versions implemented by 2010 and 2021 Ongoing implementation of the last version	The old versions implemented by 2010 and 2021 Ongoing implementation of the last version	The 2009/28/ EC implemented in 2012 The EU/2018/2001 under implementation as of 2024	The 2009/28/ EC implemented in 2011 The EU/2018/2001 under evaluation as of 2024	The old versions implemented by 2010 and 2021 Ongoing implementation of the last version
Fit for 55	Implementation ongoing but current measures fall short of the EU’s revised climate targets	Implementation ongoing, part of the Carbon Neutral Finland 2035 strategy	Committed to 55% emission cut by 2030 but with free emissions allowances extended until 2026	Partially implemented, with stricter carbon offset laws to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030	Implementation ongoing, with key agreements reached, but some proposals still under negotiation
EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)	Implemented since 2005	Implemented since 2005	Implemented since 2008	Implemented since 2008	Implemented since 2005

References
Denmark

K. Engelund Thomsen et al., “EPBD Implementation in Denmark. Status in December 2016,” 2016. [Online]. Available: https://epbd-ca.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/CA-EPBD-IV-Denmark-2018.pdf

Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Utilities, BEK nr 1274 af 19/11/2010 Bekendtgørelse om miljøvenligt design af energirelaterede produkter [Regulation on environmentally friendly design of energy-related products], 2010. [Online]. Available: https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/lta/2010/1274

Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Utilities, LOV nr 1521 af 18/12/2018 Lov om supplerende bestemmelser til forordning om opstilling af rammer for energimærkning m.v. (produktenergimærkningsloven) [Act on supplementary provisions to the regulation on the establishment of frameworks for energy labeling, etc. (the Product Energy Labeling Act)], 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/lta/2010/1274

Concerted Action Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), “National EED Implementation Report (NIR) 2021. EED implementation in Denmark,” 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.ca-eed.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CA_EED_report_DENMARK.pdf

Danish Climate Council, “Danmarks nationale klimamål og internationale forpligtelser. Satusrapport 2023 [Denmark’s national climate goals and international obligations. Status Report 2023],” 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.ft.dk/samling/20222/almdel/kef/bilag/126/2668286.pdf

The European Parliament and The Council of The European Union, Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC. Accessed: Nov. 21, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32023L1791

The European Parliament and The Council of The European Union, Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (recast). Accessed: Nov. 21, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32023L1791

Danish Energy Agency, Love og regler for CO2-kvoteordningen [Laws and regulations for the CO2 emission trading scheme]. Accessed: May 08, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://ens.dk/ansvarsomraader/cbam-og-co2-kvoter/love-og-regler-co2-kvoteordningen

Finland

M. Haakana, P. Laitila, and K.-M. Forssell, “EPBD Implementation in Finland. Status in December 2016,” 2016. [Online]. Available: https://build-up.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/content/ca-epbd-iv-finland-2018.pdf

Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Laki tuotteiden ekologiselle suunnittelulle ja energiamerkinnälle asetettavista vaatimuksista 3 § (26.11.2010/1009) [Regulations regarding requirements for ecologically designed products and energy labeling. Section 1 § (26.11.2010/1009)], 2010. [Online]. Available: https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2008/20081005

Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, “Laki tuotteiden ekologiselle suunnittelulle ja energiamerkinnälle asetettavista vaatimuksista. 1 § (19.12.2018/1175) [Regulations regarding requirements for ecologically designed products and energy labeling. Section 1 (19.12.2018/1175)],” 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2008/20081005

Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, “Energiatehokkuuslaki 30.12.2014/1429 [Energy Efficiency Act 30.12.2014/1429],” 2014. [Online]. Available: https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2014/20141429

Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, “Carbon neutral Finland 2035 – national climate and energy strategy,” 2022. [Online]. Available: https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/164323/TEM_2022_55.pdf?sequence=4&isAllowed=y

Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Päästökauppalaki 1270/2023 [Emissions Trading Act 1270/2023], 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/alkup/2023/20231270

Iceland

Joint EEA Committee, ÁKVÖRÐUN SAMEIGINLEGU EES-NEFNDARINNAR nr. 135/2022 frá 29. apríl 2022 um breytingu á IV. viðauka við EES-samninginn (Orka) [Decision of the Joint EEA Committee No. 135/2022 dated 29 April 2022 on amendments to Annex IV to the EEA Agreement (Energy)], 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.efta.int/sites/default/files/documents/legal-texts/eea/other-legal-documents/adopted-joint-committee-decisions/2022%20-%20Icelandic/135-2022i.pdf

Government of Iceland, “Item no. 32013R0813. Commission Regulation (EU) No 813/2013 of 2 August 2013 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for space heaters and combination heaters.” Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://gagnagrunnur.ees.is/index.php/32013r0813

Government of Iceland, “Item no. 32019R2013 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2013 of 11 March 2019 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to energy labelling of electronic displays and repealing Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1062/2010.” Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://gagnagrunnur.ees.is/index.php/32019r2013

Government of Iceland, “Item no. 32023L1791. Directive (EU) 2023/1791 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 on energy efficiency and amending Regulation (EU) 2023/955 (recast).” Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://gagnagrunnur.ees.is/index.php/32019r2013

Government of Iceland, “Climate change.” Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.government.is/topics/environment-climate-and-nature-protection/climate-change/

Icelandic Ministry of Industries and Innovation, “The Icelandic National Renewable Energy Action Plan for the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources in accordance with Directive 2009/28/EC and the Commission Decision of 30 June 2009 on a template for the national renewable energy action plans,” 2014. [Online]. Available: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2014-11/dir_2009_0028_action_plan_iceland__nreap_0.pdf

Umhverfis Stofnun, “Nánar um ETS [More about ETS].” Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://ust.is/atvinnulif/ets/nanar-um-ets/

Norway

Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget), “Samtykke til godkjenning av EØS-komiteens beslutning nr. 135/2022 om innlemmelse i EØS-avtalen av direktiv 2010/31/EU om bygningers energiytelse [Consent to the approval of the EEA Joint Committee Decision No. 135/2022 on the incorporation into the EEA Agreement of Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings].” Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.stortinget.no/no/Saker-og-publikasjoner/Saker/Sak/?p=93722#case-status

Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, Forskrift om miljøvennlig utforming av energirelaterte produkter (økodesignforskriften) [Regulation on the Environmentally Friendly Design of Energy-Related Products (the Ecodesign Regulation)], 2011. Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2011-02-23-190

NVE, “EUs rammeforordning for energimerking, forordning 2017/1369, blir norsk lov 1. oktober 2020 [The EU’s Framework Regulation for Energy Labelling, Regulation 2017/1369, will become Norwegian law on October 1, 2020].” Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.nve.no/nytt-fra-nve/nyheter-energi/eus-rammeforordning-for-energimerking-forordning-2017-1369-blir-norsk-lov-1-oktober-2020/

European Free Trade Association (EFTA), “Factsheet - 32012L0027.” Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.efta.int/eea-lex/32012L0027

Norwegian Environment Agency, “Endringer i EUs klimakvotesystem fra 1. januar 2024 [Changes in the EU’s Emissions Trading System from January 1, 2024].” Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.miljodirektoratet.no/aktuelt/fagmeldinger/2023/desember-2023/endringer-i-eus-klimakvotesystem-fra-1.-januar-2024

The Norwegian Government, “Prop. 4 S (2011–2012) Samtykke til deltakelse i en beslutning i EØS-komiteen om innlemmelse i EØS-avtalen av direktiv 2009/28/EF om å fremme bruken av energi fra fornybare kilder [Consent to participate in a decision by the EEA Joint Committee on the incorporation of Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources into the EEA Agreement.].” Accessed: Dec. 12, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/prop-4-s-20112012/id661575/

The Norwegian Government, “Spørsmål og svar om fornybardirektivet [Questions and Answers about the Renewable Energy Directive].” Accessed: Dec. 12, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.regjeringen.no/no/tema/energi/eueos_og_energi/sporsmal-og-svar-om-fornybardirektivet/id3047839/?expand=factbox3047845

Energi og Klima, “Kvotemarked: EU og verden [Allowance market: the EU and the world].” Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.energiogklima.no/klimavakten/kvotemarked-eu-og-verden

Sweden

Directorate-General for Energy, “Sweden’s Third National Energy Efficiency Action Plan.” 2014. [Online]. Available: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/document/download/e5c0d1d0-a736-4341-b526-29d16377f156_en?filename=SwedenNEEAP2014en.pdf

Swedish Energy Agency, “Ekodesigndirektivet [EcoDesign Directive].” Accessed: May 08, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.energimyndigheten.se/energieffektivisering/lagar-och-krav/ekodesigndirektivet/

Swedish Energy Agency, “Energimärkningsförordningen [Energy Labelling Regulation].” Accessed: May 08, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.energimyndigheten.se/energieffektivisering/lagar-och-krav/ekodesigndirektivet/

Swedish Parliament, “Genomförande av energieffektiviseringsdirektivet [Implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive].” Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: Regeringens proposition 2013/14:174 Genomförande av energieffektiviseringsdirektivet

Swedish Government Offices, “EU:s klimatpaket Fit for 55 är en milstolpe i klimatarbetet [The EU’s climate package Fit for 55 is a milestone in climate action.].” Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.regeringen.se/artiklar/2023/06/eus-klimatpaket-fit-for-55-ar-en-milstolpe-i-klimatarbetet/

Swedish Energy Agency, “Utsläppshandel inom EU [Emissions trading in the EU].” Accessed: Mar. 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.energimyndigheten.se/en/sustainability/emissions-trading/about-emissions-trading/emissions-trading-in-the-eu/

3.1 Success stories from the implementation of the selected EU directives

Success stories form the EPBD implementation have been identified by the project ‘Concerted Action EPBD’

Concerted Action EPBD, “Dynamic Database of Publications.” [Online]. Available: https://confluence.external-share.com/content/18675/ca_epbd_v_database_2020_(public)/1861814907/2181726756

Denmark: Common database with information on the existing building stock
Denmark has had a mandatory energy certification scheme since 1997, where energy experts assess existing buildings and issue EPCs. Data from these audits are collected in a common database, which provides insights into the physical state and energy standards of the building stock. Analyses based on these data indicate a potential of 28% reduction in heat demand by 2050 if existing buildings are renovated to the building standard of the 2010 Danish Building Regulations. The information in the database supports government strategies for energy upgrades and is accessible for research. Overall, these data are essential for forming future national energy strategies

K. Engelund Thomsen et al., “Implementation of the EPBD. Denmark. Status in 2020,” 2020. [Online]. Available: https://epbd-ca.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Implementation-of-the-EPBD-in-Denmark-%E2%80%93-2020.pdf

Finland: Collaboration and networking with stakeholders and professionals
Finland incorporated the EPBD into its legislation and building regulations through a collaboration with stakeholders in the construction/building maintenance industry. This cooperation was key during the finalization of the Finnish National Building Code, which had input from professionals through studies and consultation forums organized by the Ministry of the Environment. The implementation of EPCs involved building ownership and maintenance organizations, with ongoing communication to ensure compliance and quality. Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Environment and Motiva Oy hosted networking events for EPC assessors to discuss developments and key issues. Stakeholder engagement has been vital for the development of the Long-Term Renovation Strategy in Finland, including workshops and public feedback. Additionally, the Ministry has promoted energy-efficient construction and renovations through funding and voluntary energy efficiency agreements, achieving significant energy savings in the property sector

M. Haakana, P. Laitila, and K.-M. Forssell, “EPBD Implementation in Finland. Status in 2020,” 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.ca-epbd.eu/Media/638373600619852427/Implementation-of-the-EPBD-in-Finland--2020.pdf

Norway: Preparing the market for stricter energy performance requirements.
While the EPBD of 2010 was not implemented in Norway until 2024, stricter energy performance requirements, which aimed to bring Norwegian building codes closer to passive house levels, were enforced in Norway in January 2017. The new building regulations set stricter requirements for the energy performance of buildings, leading to more compact, airtight, and well-insulated buildings. Before the implementation of the new building regulations, preparatory work began in 2010 to test various energy-efficient concepts, with the German ‘Passivhaus’ model being adapted (see chapter 6). Additionally, a strategy was established to share knowledge among planners and contractors and integrate these concepts into the new building market. Evaluations showed that the initiative promoted innovation and knowledge in energy-efficient construction, largely through collaboration among stakeholders. While the most ambitious market segments adapted well, concerns remained about wider adoption, due to increased material costs and reduced internal floor area, in relation to increased insulation thickness

T. Brekke, O. Karstad Isachsen, and I. Marton, “EPBD Implementation in Norway. Status in 2020,” 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.ca-epbd.eu/Media/638373597467765351/Implementation-of-the-EPBD-in-Norway--2020.pdf

Sweden: Application Programming Interface for EPC data access
EPCs for buildings are stored in a central database in Sweden. In 2021, the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket) developed an Application Programming Interface (API) to facilitate access to essential data from the EPC register for businesses. The API allows companies to freely access basic information such as buildings’ energy class, EPC identification number, issue date, primary energy number, specific energy use, and whether radon measurement and ventilation control have been conducted. An example of the API’s practical application is banks using it to offer green mortgages to customers purchasing or living in buildings with energy classes A or B, enabling them to verify the building’s energy class directly from Boverket

H.-O. Karlsson Hjorth, R. Antonsson, L. Liljefors, M. Näslund, L. Lagnerö, and E. Svensson, “Implementation of the EPBD. Sweden. Status in 2021,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://epbd-ca.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Implementation-of-the-EPBD-in-Sweden.pdf

Success stories from the EED implementation in the Nordic countries are listed below.

Denmark: Energy efficiency obligation scheme
In Denmark, until the end of 2020, Article 7 of the EED was implemented through an energy efficiency obligation scheme. This scheme was based on a voluntary agreement between the former Ministry of Climate, Energy and Housing and the energy sector, with the 2012 Energy Agreement establishing the framework for the energy savings effort. The scheme concluded on December 31, 2020

. The Energy Efficiency Obligation scheme is discussed in further detail in Chapter 6.

Finland: Energy efficiency agreements
In Finland, not all articles of the EED have been implemented through legislation and mandatory measures. The primary instrument for fulfilling the obligations of Article 7/8 is the broad Voluntary Energy Efficiency Agreement Scheme, which, since its inception in 1997, has served as the cornerstone of the country’s energy efficiency policy. These Energy Efficiency Agreements not only facilitate compliance with Article 7 but also support the implementation of various other EED articles. This includes promoting energy management systems, conducting energy audits, enhancing communication and information dissemination, and encouraging energy-efficient procurement practices within both companies and municipalities. Through these voluntary frameworks, Finland aims to foster a culture of energy efficiency and encourage broader participation across companies and municipalities

Concerted Action Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), “National EED Implementation Report (NIR) 2021. EED implementation in Finland,” 2022. Accessed: Nov. 03, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.ca-eed.eu/ia-document/national-implementation-report-finland/

. The Energy Efficiency Agreements are discussed in further detail in Chapter 6.

Sweden: Programme promoting energy efficiency among SMEs
In 2015, a new programme was launched to implement Article 8 of the EED and promote energy efficiency among SMEs. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), this programme focuses on three key areas:

Energy Audits: Financial support for energy audits helps SMEs assess their energy performance and identify potential savings.
Network Activities: The programme encourages networking among SMEs, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive energy efficiency improvements.
Capacity Building: Training and resources enhance the skills of SME personnel, empowering them to implement effective energy management practices.

Set to continue until the end of 2021, this initiative plays a crucial role in engaging SMEs in energy efficiency efforts and contributes to the EU’s broader climate objectives

Concerted Action Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), “National EED Implementation Report (NIR) 2021. EED implementation in Sweden,” 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.ca-eed.eu/ia-document/national-implementation-report-sweden/

. The energy efficiency networks for SMEs are described in detail in Chapter 6.