The European Commission, through DG ENER – Unit B.3 (Energy Efficiency: Buildings and Products), took part in the CLIMA 2025 World Conference with a strong and meaningful contribution, reinforcing its close cooperation with the building and HVAC sectors.

The Recorded Message

A recorded video message from Niels Ladefoged, Acting Head of Unit ENER B.3, was presented during the CLIMA 2025 Closing Ceremony. In his remarks on decarbonised, healthy and energy efficient buildings, he underlined the Commission’s recognition of REHVA and its Member Associations as valuable partners in the energy transition and in translating European policy goals into national practice.

The video—also shown during the REHVA EU Policy and Advocacy Group Workshop—will continue to be shared beyond the conference. This week, it will be screened, subtitled in French, during a meeting of REHVA’s French Member Association, marking the first step in a broader effort to relay the Commission’s messages throughout REHVA’s European network.
You can find the full recorded video 

The Content of the Message

Mr. Ladefoged’s message outlined the strategic mindset behind the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), placing particular emphasis on the drivers for phasing out fossil fuels: the need to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector—which accounts for roughly a third of total EU emissions—and to ensure long-term energy independence in the wake of the Russian energy crisis.

A central objective is the acceleration of deep and quality renovations, with a strong focus on the worst-performing buildings. National Building Renovation Plans will play a pivotal role, and HVAC professionals were directly encouraged to engage in the drafting process to ensure that practical experience from the field is reflected in national strategies. The first drafts are expected by the end of 2025, with public consultation and final plans due by the end of 2026.

Mr. Ladefoged also introduced several new elements in the EPBD:

• The formal definition of Zero Emission Buildings;
• The push for wide deployment of solar energy systems;
• Greater attention to Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ);
• The promotion of smart buildings and integrated energy solutions;
• Reinforcement of the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling framework, providing essential tools to help designers and consumers make informed, sustainable choices;
• The need for a code of interoperability for smart appliances, enabling greater flexibility on the demand side and facilitating the integration of decentralised, intermittent energy sources such as solar and wind.

He also announced the upcoming EPBD support package, to be published by the end of June. This guidance document will offer legal interpretations and practical tools to help Member States transpose and implement the new directive effectively.

The overarching message from the Commission was one of recognition and encouragement, acknowledging the expertise and field-based know-how of HVAC professionals, and calling on them to take an active role at the national level to make Europe’s building stock smarter, healthier, and more energy efficient.

Live Intervention During the Opening Ceremony

During the CLIMA 2025 Opening Ceremony, Pau Garcia, Policy Officer at DG ENER B.3, joined remotely to deliver a live intervention. His contribution echoed the message of support and active collaboration between the Commission and the HVAC sector, highlighting the strategic relevance of industry feedback in shaping and deploying energy efficiency policies across Europe.

REHVA’s Role in Supporting EU Policy Implementation

In this context, REHVA reaffirms its commitment to actively support the European Commission in the implementation of EU policy objectives in the building sector. By mobilising its extensive network of Member Associations, Supporters, and Associate Organisations, REHVA will continue to act as a trusted liaison between EU institutions and national stakeholders.

Building on the momentum of CLIMA 2025 — and starting with the dissemination of the Commission’s message at the national level— REHVA will intensify its efforts tochannel EU policy messages throughout the HVAC community in Europe. Through its holistic and technology-neutral approach, REHVA enables dialogue across technical, policy, and communication spheres—helping to align national implementation efforts with EU climate goals. By amplifying institutional messages in line with its Manifesto, and providing field-level feedback, REHVA contributes to bridging the gap between Brussels and the building professionals who are essential to the energy transition.

A recorded video message from Niels Ladefoged, Acting Head of Unit ENER B.3, was presented during the CLIMA 2025 Closing Ceremony.

Find the translated French version here: