Adapting to the EPBD – The HVAC industry's response – Part 2
The future progress in implementing IEQ in energy-efficient buildings depends on strong ventilation expertise, whole-building system knowledge, and digital solutions that help measure, manage, and improve IEQ and keep buildings energy-efficient – in line with the goals of the EPBD recast. In the last Update and Insight, the perspectives of indoor environmental quality and building ventilation in the EPBD recast were explored. In this Update & Insight, the HVAC industry's response to the EPBD recast is presented.
Looking at global challenges, many issues affecting buildings and the future centre on advancing the green transition and supporting sustainability efforts. There are questions regarding the energy supply in Europe, a highly volatile energy price market, and the recent pandemic, all of which have implications for HVAC and systems design. There is also digitalisation, with a surge in sensor data and the adoption of artificial intelligence.
On the other hand, there are health issues, including poor outdoor air quality, which also affects indoor air quality in buildings, systems and buildings need to adapt to the future climate, address high humidity and re-occurring heat waves.
The EPBD recast aims to decarbonise buildings and includes IEQ as part of this effort. There are several topics the EU is trying to address, including renovating existing building stock, decarbonising and phasing out fossil fuels, assessing carbon footprints, and achieving zero-emission buildings. It also addresses modernisation and system integration, with a mandatory requirement to integrate building automation control systems with technical building systems.
Broader scope of technical building systems
The definition of technical building systems previously encompassed heating, cooling, ventilation, domestic hot water, built-in lighting, and building automation and control systems. This definition was fairly narrow, focusing primarily on traditional energy systems in buildings.
In contrast, the EPBD recast significantly expands the definition to include on-site renewable energy generation, both electricity and thermal, as well as energy storage systems such as batteries, thermal storage and infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. This broader scope reflects the evolving landscape of building energy systems and the increasing importance of integrating renewable energy and storage solutions into building design and operation. The future encompasses dimensioning, installation, adjustment and control, with a greater emphasis on energy-saving technologies such as thermostatic valves and heat recovery systems. This shift aims to ensure that all components of building energy systems contribute to overall energy efficiency and sustainability.
The change explained above affects the industry and will require a more systematic approach. The new aspect of the EPBD – going back to basics – why is there a need for ventilation? It is to keep people in buildings healthy.
Challenges as the EPBD is implemented across Europe
These challenges underscore the importance of clear communication, strong partnerships, and ongoing education as Europe moves forward with the EPBD.
- Existing and new competitors are expected to increase efforts in the HVAC sector, making the market more competitive.
- Customers may be hesitant to invest in energy renovations due to the associated costs, which may slow progress.
- The stakeholder chain can be challenged as project complexity increases and more parties become involved.
- Simpler or alternative technologies might gain popularity, even if they do not fully meet the new requirements, creating confusion in the market.
- The overall complexity of the new regulations and technical solutions may be causing confusion for both customers and professionals.
- The expected differences between national guidelines and EU regulations complicate implementation and create uncertainty.
Key opportunities for moving forward with the EPBD
The EPBD not only drives sustainability and compliance but also creates substantial opportunities for innovation, growth and leadership for HVAC services and installations in the building sector.
- Digitalisation is expected to accelerate, creating new opportunities for systems, services and solutions for buildings.
- Monitoring and data collection will become essential, driving demand for advanced analytics and smart building technologies.
- There will be a strong emphasis on renovation, offering significant business potential, especially for energy-efficient upgrades.
- Energy efficiency will receive increased attention, making HVAC expertise and offerings even more relevant.
- Indoor climate must be measured and aligned with established standards, supporting integrated solutions for indoor environmental quality.
- Inspection requirements are set to rise, creating ongoing service opportunities.
- Building energy certifications will become mandatory, increasing the need for compliance solutions and consulting.
To sum up – the EPBD recast from the HVAC industry view
Ventilation competence will be key, along with knowledge of whole-building systems, which enables competence to deliver IEQ and meet the need to visualise the indoor environment. The digital offering adds value through solutions and functions that support the EPBD recast.
Reference
This text is based on the webinar on 'EPBD unpacked - Why indoor climate and energy efficiency must be addressed together', hosted by Swegon Air Academy in November 2025. The experts were: Pawel Wargocki, Professor of Indoor Environmental Quality at the Technical University of Denmark; Andreas Martinsson Björkdahl, Technology and Environmental Manager at Swedish Ventilation Industry Association; Åsa Norén-Lundh, Business Development Manager at Swegon and Mikael Börjesson, Director Future Solutions & Public Affairs at Swegon.
