The European Commission's strategic long-term vision for "A Clean Planet for All" includes the ambitious goals of achieving climate neutrality and meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2050. One of the key challenges in meeting these goals is the decarbonization of the building sector, which is a significant source of greenhouse-gas emissions and one of the the single largest consumers hampering Europe’s energy sovereignty of grid energy.
To address this challenge, REHVA published a report titled "Replacement of Gas Boilers with Heat Pumps, District Heating, and Hybrid Solutions: Report on the Shift Away from Natural Gas in Buildings". The report, written through a REHVA task force, explores the potential of heat pumps, district heating, and hybrid solutions as replacements for gas boilers, which are a major source of emissions in the building sector.
The report highlights the potential benefits of transitioning away from natural gas in buildings, including reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions, improved air quality, and increased energy efficiency. It also provides recommendations for policymakers, building owners, and industry stakeholders on how to support the transition to these alternative heating solutions.
Overall, the report is an important contribution to the ongoing effort to decarbonize the building sector and achieve the European Commission's goals for a cleaner, more sustainable future. By embracing new technologies and innovative solutions, we can create a more resilient and environmentally friendly built environment for generations to come.