On 10 December, REHVA’s Policy Advocacy Group (EU PAG) leader Johann Zirngibl and REHVA’s Policy & Advocacy Officer Francesco Robimarga, held a pivotal meeting with MEP Seán Kelly in the European Parliament premises. The objective was to advance the vision outlined in its “2050-Ready Buildings” manifesto and to cross them with the priorities of a leading policy maker. The manifesto, a cornerstone of REHVA’s policy advocacy, champions energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) as central to Europe’s building sector contributing to the EU’s climate neutrality goals.

MEP Seán Kelly was shadow rapporteur for the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) recast in the last legislative term. His action was instrumental in shaping the directive. Kelly’s recent interventions in Parliament’s plenary sessions, where he emphasised reducing energy prices, modernising grids, and leveraging renewables, strongly resonate with the manifesto calling for a holistic, performance-based, and technology-neutral approach to the energy transition.

The manifesto’s key pillars—energy efficiency, decarbonised heating and cooling systems, and enhanced IEQ—drove the discussion. The necessity of performance-based policies was underscored, advocating for solutions tailored to the diverse needs of buildings across Europe. Particular attention was given to buildings’ dual role as both consumers and producers of energy, with smart technologies enabling grid flexibility.

The focus on healthier indoor environments was a prominent topic. REHVA highlighted the urgent need to enhance indoor air quality (IAQ). A common EU-wide IEQ indicator would facilitate the work of HVAC experts. This aligns with REHVA’s ongoing dialogue with the European Commission on EPBD guidance and implementing acts, ensuring the adoption of robust and transparent standards.

The conversation also explored the manifesto’s emphasis on addressing energy poverty and promoting affordable housing through targeted incentives and subsidies. MEP Kelly’s long-standing advocacy for reducing energy costs and enhancing social equity aligns seamlessly with these objectives. Johann Zirngibl explained the proposal that European rules, based on European standards, should be used to identify the best solutions for the spending of European funding towards 2050-ready buildings.   

The dialogue further addressed the alignment of REHVA’s vision with the priorities of the new EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, particularly in creating synergies between energy and housing policies. REHVA reaffirmed its commitment to support the EU’s ambitions through its members’ expertise and the holistic principles outlined in the manifesto. Continuous professional development for HVAC professionals and the harmonisation of EU standards were highlighted as critical to enabling the building sector’s contribution to the energy transition.

This meeting with MEP Kelly was the first in a series of strategic engagements under the EU PAG initiative, designed to foster collaboration with key policymakers across the European Parliament, Commission, and Council. By presenting its manifesto as a framework for achieving sustainable and inclusive policies, REHVA has set a strong precedent for future advocacy efforts.

REHVA’s Policy Advocacy Group (EU PAG) in close cooperation with its national Member associations, will continue to drive the conversation on Europe’s energy transition ensuring that the expertise and skills of  HVAC professionals are recognised as a cornerstone to reach the EU’s climate and energy goals.