On 19th September 2024, REHVA participated in a pivotal online workshop hosted by Euroheat & Power (EHP), titled "EPBD Explained: What's Ahead for DHC?". The event attracted a significant audience, particularly noteworthy as it was exclusively accessible to EHP members. The session explored the future implications of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) on district heating and cooling (DHC).
Johann Zirngibl’s Expert Analysis
A standout moment in the workshop was the presentation by Johann Zirngibl, Board Director of the EPB Center and Vice President of REHVA. Drawing on his role as convenor of CEN and ISO standardisation groups, Johann provided a detailed and practical breakdown of Zero Emission Buildings (ZEB) within the EPBD framework, leveraging his extensive expertise in the field.
Key highlights of Johann’s presentation included:
Flexibility for National Implementation: Johann stressed the importance of allowing Member States to implement the EPBD according to their specific national contexts, while aligning with overarching EU guidance.
Harmonised Calculation Methods: Addressing disparities among current national approaches, Johann advocated for a unified EU-wide calculation method. He proposed the development of an open-source tool based on CEN standards to ensure consistency across borders.
Performance-Oriented Design: Johann reiterated REHVA’s commitment to holistic, decarbonised design strategies. He promoted technology-neutral and results-driven building codes that prioritise energy efficiency.
Johann also highlighted the critical need for forthcoming guidance documents from the European Commission to facilitate coherent national transpositions of the EPBD.
Key Findings
The workshop concluded with a discussion on aligning DHC systems with ZEB objectives, emphasising the increased integration of renewable energy and high-efficiency cogeneration. Johann’s technical insights underscored REHVA’s pivotal role in shaping both policy and technical frameworks for the future of building energy performance.
For further details and access to the presentations, please visit the Euroheat & Power website.