The Greek government presented on Wednesday a package of energy-saving measures in the public sector as part of wider efforts to address the current energy crisis and act against climate change.
The aim is to reduce energy consumption in the public sector by 10 percent in the coming months and by 30 percent by 2030, Environment and Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas told a press conference here on Wednesday.
"The public sector must be a positive example for the entire society," Greek national broadcaster ERT quoted him as saying. Skrekas also outlined incentives and penalties for public organizations based on their performance.
Organizations meeting the targets will be awarded extra funds, while those lagging behind will not get funding for new hirings.
A digital energy consumption monitoring system will also be launched, and all public entities should appoint energy managers for each of their buildings to make sure lights and devices are switched off when not in use and heating and cooling systems are properly maintained.
Moreover, municipalities will have to take measures to reduce energy consumption in public lighting to ensure access to support from the state budget.
Incentives for households and businesses will follow soon, Skrekas said, noting that "over the past year, over 8 billion euros (7.92 billion U.S. dollars) have been allocated to support households and businesses."
Ahead of the meeting of the European Union member states' energy ministers on Sept. 9 in Brussels, Belgium, Skrekas reiterated a call for bold measures at the European level to respond to the crisis.
"Europe has delayed, we have passed the zero point," he said.
Editor: Leon
