Low energy economy

A report from the business sector says energy efficiency is the ‘key to economic growth’. The report from the Allianz financial services company and the Lisbon Council policy think-tank says the view that higher energy efficiency levels hinder EU competitiveness is wrong, and presents evidence of a positive link between energy efficiency and productivity levels. The authors call for internalising the external costs of pollution, adding: ‘Far from hurting the economy, higher environmental standards will create new markets.’