Today it's not a question anymore of whether we should take action, he said, adding that energy efficiency has been recognised as the most feasible and most effective way to deal with climate change and sustainable development.
"The fight against climate change has been recognised as a global, European and national priority, hence it has a key role in all sectors and policies," Minister Zmajlovic told a round-table discussion at the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences.
He underscored that energy efficiency had significant potential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time opening green jobs, encouraging innovation and improving competitiveness.
"The Croatian government has recognised the significance of energy efficiency and in 2012 launched projects valued at HRK 1.9 billion," he said.
Reconstruction of buildings has led to a reduction in energy consumption of 40 percent. Energy efficiency is also being conducted in transport which produces 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and one of the measures introduced is lower levies for environment friendly vehicles.
The European Union EU has allocated 180 billion euros over the next seven year period for environmental issues.
Recently the EU presented some quite ambitious objectives which Croatia supports - reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent, increasing the share of renewable energy sources by 27 percent and to achieve energy savings of 27 percent by 2030.