Directive 2012/27/EU on Energy Efficiency

Article 5

Exemplary role of public bodies' buildings

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7. Member States shall encourage public bodies, including at  regional and local level, and social housing bodies governed by public law, with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set-up, to:

(a) adopt an energy efficiency plan, freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan, containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives and actions, with a view to following the exemplary role of central government buildings laid down in paragraphs 1, 5 and 6;

(b) put in place an energy management system, including energy audits, as part of the implementation of their plan;

(c) use, where appropriate, energy service companies, and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term.