Wasteful television standby settings and the energy efficiency of computers and air conditioners are in the sights of a new legislative drive aimed at slicing €100 billion a year off the European Union's energy bill, in a move that could impose the continent's green agenda on the world.
Demanding new energy efficiency targets set by the European Commission for items such as electrical appliances, cars and building materials could set new global standards, since all exports into the European market will have to comply.
The proposals reflect Europe's growing fears about its energy dependence on the rest of the world, but also its public support for high environmental standards. The commission will announce on Thursday that it is aiming for a 20 per cent energy saving by 2020, one that it plans to back with a raft of new regulations.
The measures would also help Europe cut its carbon dioxide emissions, helping it to meet its Kyoto obligations.
Meli Luigi, director-general of the European "white goods" manufacturers association CECED, said the producers' body fears new rules could put manufacturers in a "straitjacket".
