Breaking News from energyhelpline.com: the UK’s leading business energy broker saving you money on gas & electricity: EU plans new approach for business energy - 28/04/2009

Business energy consumption could be set to change significantly in future following a new directive from the European Union.

The European Parliament has backed amendments to the 2002 energy performance of buildings directive to the effect that all new buildings erected from 2019 onwards will need to produce as much energy as they consume from renewable sources.

This move could mean a major change in the way business energy is consumed in the UK, as companies moving into new premises will need to ensure they have a system in place that enables them to be working in a zero-energy building.

According to the European Parliament's definition, this means a structure with a "high level of energy efficiency", which ensures the "overall annual primary energy consumption is equal to or less than the energy production from renewable energy sources on site".

It is hoped the move will have an important impact on business energy consumption in the future by helping to significantly increase the amount of energy that is used from renewable sources.

Climate change ministers from around the world are meeting in Washington this week to consider a range of issues, including green energy production.

If you want to find out more about business energy and how you could save up to 50% on your business energy bills, click here.