Brussels, December 8, 2023: The European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE), representing manufacturing companies and associations operating in the Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump industry in Europe, today celebrated the last trilogue on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

The Directive aims to accelerate the renovation of the EU building stock and sets targets for energy savings. According to the European Commission, heating, cooling and domestic hot water account for 80% of the energy consumed by EU citizens.

“The outcome of yesterday’s Trilogue sends a strong signal to both the building and energy sector,” said Russell Patten, EPEE’s Director General.

With new requirements for member states to adopt measures to phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling with a view to fully phasing out fossil fuel boilers by 2040, the EPBD is a key step on the path to decarbonisation.

“The RACHP industry is ready to deploy sustainable and efficient heating and cooling solutions to all EU citizens, business owners and public authorities,” said Patten.

According to Eurostat, nearly 10% of EU citizens were unable to keep their homes warm in 2022, due in part to low energy performance of houses and appliances. As the EPBD energy savings requirement will first target the worst performing buildings, vulnerable citizens will be the first to benefit from the implementation of the EPBD.

“Buildings represent untold opportunity to reduce our energy use and reduce our independence on foreign oil,” said Patten. “Strong ambitions are at the forefront of EU policy, and the effective implementation of the EPBD will help the EU to remain a leader in climate change mitigation.”

For further information, please contact secretariat@epeeglobal.org and visit our website (www.epeeglobal.org).