Energy Efficiency Certificates: A study of a national scheme after 12 years in operation

Introduced in 2006 under France's POPE Law on energy policy, the system of Energy Efficiency Certificates (EEC) has become a pillar of the country's approach to energy efficiency thanks to its evolution over time, its impact on the structure of the energy industry, and its coverage of different economic sectors. At times criticised for being incomprehensible to the uninitiated or for promoting opportunistic behaviour, awareness of the EECs has increased and they have been adapted to avoid misuse and to enhance transparency. This study provides an opportunity to examine the history and current status of this fundamental instrument of national energy policy. (authors)