Parliament debates toughened proposals to help cut energy use by 20% by 2020, including building renovation and binding targets.

MEPs demand legally binding energy savings

Europe wants to save 20%  of its energy use by 2020

It's one reason why the EU spends over  €400 billion a year on importing energy.

MEPs want Member States  to play their part.

It's their choice: binding targets  or binding measures, or both.

I think it's a very attractive offer  from the EP

to say if they agree to binding targets,  they can choose the measures.

The EP has toughened up  Commission proposals.

in building construction  and obligatory renovation,

with energy audits for big companies  and smart metres to help consumers.

The building work  should help in the current crisis.

it creates jobs in the very sector that's  most troubled, the construction sector.

These are local jobs that are not  going to be outsourced to China or India.

Consumer organisations believe  this could help ordinary households,

currently losing around €1000 a year  under the present system.

They have a lot to gain  from being better informed.

If they are not aware of  how much they consume,

it will be very difficult for them  to make a decision.

Although Europe should meet  its renewable energy targets by 2020,

it will have an uphill struggle  to match that in energy efficiency.

This report, voted in committee on Tuesday,  will be a step towards it.