The European Parliament demanded a binding target to improve energy efficiency 20% across the region by 2020.

In a resolution passed yesterday, MEPs also called for energy efficient buildings to be a key priority in the EUs new Energy Efficiency Action Plan.

The resolution also urges the proper implementation of existing energy efficiency legislation and using the public sector to set an example.

MEPs want to see the European Commission include an assessment of how existing legislation, like eco-design and energy labelling, is being implemented in its revised Energy Efficiency Action Plan.

Going further, the resolution calls for measures such as individual energy efficiency targets that correspond to at least a 20% improvement in energy efficiency by 2020 at EU level. And this target, according to MEPs, should be a binding one.

The proposals also lay out minimum requirements for the installation of energy efficient street lighting and the purchase of more efficient vehicles by public authorities.

MEPs also suggest that EU institutions and agencies should set an example by refurbishing their buildings to achieve near-zero energy consumption by 2019.

The resolution, drafted by Bendt Bendtsen (EPP, DK), follows that of another MEP last month calling for energy efficiency to be given higher priority.