REHVA was honoured to be invited as key note speaker to the hearing of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on “EU strategy for housing construction” held on the 8th of April 2026, in Brussels.
The intention of the hearing was to provide input to the study group preparing the EESC opinion TEN/872 – EU strategy for housing construction. The study group, composed of representatives of the civil society in the Member States, is chaired by Baiba Miltovica, with Thomas Kattnig acting as rapporteur.
The keynote speakers come from the Commission, the Unions, and the construction industry. Johann Zirngibl, Vice-President and EU Public Affairs Group leader, and Francesco Robimarga, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer, conveyed the perspective of the HVAC sector.
Being invited to this hearing reflects the recognition of the key role played by the HVAC sector in delivering affordable, sustainable and high-quality housing across Europe.
Policy context
The EESC opinion contributes to the European Commission’s communication on an EU Strategy for Housing Construction, which sets the broader framework for addressing housing shortages and boosting construction capacity across Europe. This initiative is closely linked to the European Affordable Housing Plan, which focuses on improving access to housing while ensuring affordability, quality and sustainability.
As an institutional advisory body, the EESC provides input from the organized civil society (Unions, consumer associations, etc) to EU institutions. The expertise of its members helps optimise the quality of EU policies and legislation. In parallel, the European Parliament advanced its work on housing, notably through the HOUS Special Committee REPORT, underlining the growing political importance of the topic at the EU level.
REHVA key messages
System efficiency and real performance monitoring: key for affordable housing
Affordability and decarbonization can be addressed through better-performing systems. The performance of HVAC systems is based on the optimized interactions between different HVAC components. It includes proper design, commissioning and operation. Avoiding oversizing is a key lever to reduce upfront investment and improve efficiency,
Low-cost, but high-impact measures (e.g. hydraulic balancing and control optimization) lower the energy costs without major investments.
Affordability over the lifecycle
REHVA emphasized that HVAC systems are essential to ensure safe, healthy and energy-efficient homes.
HVAC systems represent an increasing share of initial investment costs (CAPEX), but contribute to lowering the energy costs (OPEX).
Affordability should therefore be assessed over the full lifecycle of buildings, balancing higher upfront investments with long-term energy savings and performance.
Skills, training and market fragmentation – common EU methods and tools
REHVA highlighted the fragmentation of the EU market, particularly in education, training and certification systems, which remain largely national. This limits the mobility of professionals and creates barriers to cross-border services.
REHVA called for the development of common European standards and tools, alongside coordinated efforts to address skills shortages and support the evolution of the sector.
Effective and fair financial support – link European funding to European rules
REHVA stressed that financial incentives should be performance-based and technology-neutral. Measures must ensure that vulnerable households are protected from rising energy costs. Access to funding and reliable technical guidance is needed to improve homes.
REHVA advocated that European funding should be based on European rules.
Why this matters for REHVA members
This debate will shape how homes are built and renovated across Europe, and how energy systems are integrated into buildings.
It will also influence how HVAC professionals can work, how their skills are recognized, and how investments in better buildings are supported.
By taking part in this discussion, REHVA helps to ensure that future EU policies are practical, effective and based on real experience from the field.
Find the Presentation delivered by REHVA here
