–European Heating and Cooling: The Road to Energy Efficiency
Europe is at a critical juncture in its quest for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. One of the sectors that plays an essential role in this transition is the heating and cooling sector, which is responsible for approximately half of the total final energy consumption in the European Union.
In this context, several directives have been implemented with the aim of reducing energy consumption, and promoting the creation of green jobs and the digitalisation of energy systems in buildings.
In this article, we will explore the challenges and opportunities facing Europe on its path towards energy efficiency in the HVAC sector and how Johnson Controls Hitachi has contributed to achieving the target.
Challenges in the heating and cooling sector
Energy consumption of buildings
Buildings in particular are responsible for 42% of energy consumption and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition, old and energy inefficient buildings present considerable challenges for energy saving measures. Often, modern equipment, despite its advanced technology, operates inefficiently due to poor installations and lack of intelligent operating logic, resulting in energy waste of up to 30% in some cases.
Renewable energies
Despite efforts to improve energy efficiency in the EU and reach the 20% energy savings target for 2020, progress has been slow. Dependence on high-temperature heating systems running on fossil fuels remains a reality, accounting for 57% of heating energy supply. This high energy dependence and the resulting carbon dioxide emissions are a significant challenge.
Renewable energy sources are gaining prominence in the EU, such as:
- Aerothermal energy
- Geothermal energy
- Heat pumps
- Solar thermal systems
Renewable energy used for heating and cooling in Europe has increased from 11.7% in 2004 to 22.9% in 2021. However, they still account for less than a quarter of the final energy used for heating and cooling in the region. This underlines the need to prioritise sustainable local energy sources that are adapted to regional needs and opportunities.
The EU strategy for decarbonisation
To promote sustainability and address these challenges, the EU has implemented various strategies and regulations:
- Advanced Building Automation Controls (BACS) promise to increase overall energy efficiency by optimising the performance and energy consumption of products and systems.
- The F-gas Regulation and Decarbonisation in electricity generation that have led to an overall decrease in greenhouse gas emissions since 2015.
- Increasing the share of renewable sources in total energy consumption is contributing to progress towards climate neutrality.
- The "Clean Energy for all Europeans' Package", established in 2019, focuses on increasing renewables and energy efficiency while taking an integrated approach to the energy system.
Towards a More Sustainable Future
The energy efficiency of buildings has become a key pillar in meeting the environmental and energy targets set by the European Union, and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive emerges as a key tool in the transformation of the European building sector.
Following the last review in 2018, which was more ambitious in terms of climate and social action, and taking into account the needs and differences in the European building stock, new measures have been proposed to improve the efficiency of buildings. This is not only a legislative instrument, but also a strategic roadmap to reach the targets set in the European Green Pact.
The EU's ambitious targets for carbon neutrality also require economic transformation and concerted efforts in all sectors. The European Green Deal and the European Climate Act set binding targets of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with an intermediate target of at least a 55% reduction by 2030.
The European Renewable Heating and Cooling Technology and Innovation Platform is working on the 'Vision 2050', a roadmap that aims to achieve 100% renewable heating and cooling in Europe. This multidisciplinary vision is based on various renewable technologies and best practices. However, technological progress in active cooling systems may still increase demand for equipment and electricity, posing challenges to achieving EU targets to reduce energy consumption and dependence on foreign fossil fuels.
Policy makers need to align strategies with market trends and industry forecasts to take advantage of the exponential growth of clean technologies and ensure competitiveness.
Johnson Control Hitachi's commitment to sustainability
At Johnson Controls Hitachi, we not only embrace the challenges of transitioning to a more sustainable future, but we also lead the way with solutions that make a real difference in reducing emissions and using resources responsibly.
With solutions such as Yutaki aerothermal and heat pumps, we harness free, renewable energy sources, such as heat from the air and ground, to provide efficient heating and cooling. These solutions not only reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, but also help to combat dependence on fossil fuels and move towards a more sustainable future.
Our cutting-edge technology is combined with an ongoing commitment to innovation and manufacturing excellence, enabling us to deliver products and systems that meet the highest standards of efficiency and performance.
by Hitachi Cooling & Heating
