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For the ten tips, please visit:
www.savemorethanfuel.eu |
Oil – remaining an
essential part of the mix
EUROPIA
EUROPIA, as a leading European business association, representing the European Petroleum Refining and Marketing Industry, subscribes to the European Union’s (EU) objectives to mitigate climate change while ensuring security of energy supply and competitiveness.
During the last hundred years, energy, mainly from fossil fuels, has driven huge economic development. Oil-derived fuels and chemicals bring substantial benefits to the society and by 2050, oil will constitute at least 30% of the global energy mix (Independent Energy Agency (IEA) – World Key Energy Statistics 2009).
From a low proportion of primary energy, renewables will increase their share of the energy mix. But, as the growth in demand for energy will be even more significant, oil, gas and coal will continue to fuel economic development.
Vital efficiency
As fuel providers, EUROPIA’s member companies are determined to improve energy efficiency in their operations and use of their products so their environmental impact is reduced.
Energy costs represent over half of refining operating costs. We support the key EU priority of energy efficiency. This achieves energy savings and emissions reductions. Additionally, it enhances EU competitiveness while saving costs and reducing dependence on imported energy supply.
The increasing demand for cleaner fuels and diesel is making refining processes more intense and more energy consuming. Nevertheless, the industry is continuously searching for energy savings including those achieved through using new technologies. Cogeneration, where the excess heat produced in electricity generation is captured and used in other parts of the manufacturing process, is one of the specific examples of energy efficient technologies.
The IEA forecasts indicate oil-based products will remain the key fuel for transport for at least the next thirty years and beyond. Hence the oil industry will be a vital partner to the car manufacturers in developing the fuels and engines of the future.
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| EUROPIA represents the downstream sector (refining and marketing) of Europe’s oil industry. Its members, which include Europe’s leading oil companies, account for over 80% of EU petroleum refining capacity and some 75% of EU motor fuel retail sales.
EUROPIA contributes in a constructive and pro-active way to the development of policies to safeguard the secure and sustainable manufacturing, supply and use of petroleum products.
It supports the EU Emission Trading Scheme to mitigate climate change. The oil industry is actively contributing to the implementation process, so a fair and transparent system, within an international framework, is built up. |
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Driving change in consumers
Road transport is key to assuring Europe’s competitiveness, but this is where a considerable share of fuel consumption lies. Energy efficiency of engines and cars are essential. However, responsible driving behaviour can make an important contribution to sustainable transport.
Through its vast network of retail activities, EUROPIA, in partnership with the European Commission, launched a cross-industry campaign on efficient use of road transport fuels, to inform consumers on how to drive more efficiently and “save more than fuel”.
The campaign, uniting for the first time more than 40 petroleum companies, aimed at engaging with consumers. Around 30 million leaflets in 24 languages, offering 10 tips for driving more efficiently were distributed to road users at participating petrol stations.
Launching the campaign, Energy Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs commented: “The EU has identified energy efficiency as a key policy tool to meet our 2020 climate and energy goals. Initiatives such as EUROPIA’s demonstrate the important role that the oil industry can play in raising awareness among European drivers to the contribution that individual citizens can make. The oil industry is also playing its part by supplying high quality and efficient fuels and improving its own energy efficiency performance.”
A behavioural change cannot be achieved in one day, EUROPIA continues to promote the messages supported by a dedicated website and advertisements in selected publications and exhibitions.
Achieving the objectives of reducing carbon emissions entails major change, requiring the development of innovative solutions and new patterns of energy consumption. Reduced emissions consumption will result from many things; small behavioural changes, major projects, economic constraints as well as appropriate regulations.
This is not only a challenge for decision-makers and for industry, but a challenge for society as a whole. We all, as consumers and citizens, have a role to play in contributing to these objectives. It is only collectively we will make a difference. EUROPIA hopes that, through this campaign, our industry, in partnership with the European Commission, has created a dialogue on fuel efficiency with our consumers.
 EUROPIA, the European
Petroleum Industry Association
W: www.europia.com
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| A headline grabbing debate in many countries where plastic bags seem to be losing. Plastic bags are banned in San Francisco, there is a 5 year jail penalty for plastic bag possession in New Delhi, and a plastic bag tax of 0.22€ in Ireland.
In fact, this debate is a CO2 sideshow, with nothing to do with emissions and more to do with minimising pollution. The carbon facts are that paper bag production uses four times as much energy as plastic bag, and neither will biodegrade in landfill.
The real environmental choice is a re-useable jute or hemp bag, which must be used at least 50 times before it starts to have a lower environmental impact than a plastic bag.
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