MEPs on the parliament's industry committee had only narrowly approved the resolution in November. But this time, the full assembly approved it by a large margin, with 544 MEPs in favour. The resolution also calls for measures to improve buildings’ efficiency to feature prominently in the revised action plan.

Among other things, the parliament demands a report on the need for further financial support to increase the efficiency in the existing building stock. MEPs also want to see proposals for an EU framework of financial instruments in this area.

The resolution also urges rapid implementation of directives on ecodesign and energy labelling, noting “long delays”. And MEPs say that ecodesign legislation should cover more products including new household appliances, products for the efficient use of water and industrial and agricultural equipment.

The document notes that industrial electrical motors consume 30-40% of the electrical energy generated worldwide. The energy saving potential in this area is between 30-60%. Regarding energy labelling, the European Commission is urged to review the law before the 2014 deadline with a view to further improve the scheme.

Follow-up: Parliament press release plus draft resolution (the adopted text will be available on the parliament’s website on Thursday). See also reactions from the Green MEPs and WWF