REHVA is delighted to invite you to the 10th Edition of the REHVA Brussels Summit. This year, we are celebrating this milestone under the Belgian colors. Check out the preliminary agenda NOW.
The focus of the Policy Conference will be "REHVA Pathway to Climate Neutrality through the EPBD Implementation", bringing together experts in sustainability, healthy buildings, policymakers, and more.
Welcome and Opening
The conference opens with remarks from Cătălin Lungu, the President of REHVA. As a key figure in guiding REHVA's efforts towards climate neutrality, Lungu's introduction will emphasise the importance of technical expertise and policy integration. His role is crucial in setting the strategic focus of the day’s sessions, highlighting the collaboration necessary to meet the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) targets.
SESSION I: EPBD Recast Implementation: Technical Framework
This session addresses the technical framework required for implementing the recast EPBD. Johann Zirngibl, Vice-President of REHVA and a leader in EU policy advocacy, will introduce the session. His role ensures that both policy and technical considerations are balanced, setting a foundation for effective EPBD implementation. Keynotes from senior officials at the European Commission and the European Parliament will offer perspectives on the current guidelines and political strategies, while Jarek Kurnitski, Chair of REHVA’s TRC committee, will present REHVA's technical proposals. The session aims to align technical solutions with political will, fostering dialogue between policymakers and industry experts to address challenges in achieving climate goals.
SESSION II: From IAQ To IEQ: Making European Building Stock Healthier and More Efficient
Led by Risto Kosonen, REHVA Vice-President, this session focuses on improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in European buildings. Kosonen’s expertise in HVAC systems and indoor climate technologies will guide the conversation on how the EPBD can drive healthier and more efficient building environments. Livio Mazzarella, the REHVA President-elect, will discuss strategic pathways for improving IEQ through the EPBD, offering insights from his extensive experience in building physics and energy performance. Contributions from industry leaders and policymakers will highlight how the combination of innovative ventilation systems and policy measures can enhance both health and energy efficiency in buildings. The session aims to bring a cohesive vision of how building performance standards can serve both environmental and public health goals.
INTERLUDE: Advancing Wastewater Heat Recovery in Buildings
This interlude introduces REHVA Guidebook #34 on Wastewater Heat Recovery, with Pablo Carnero Melero, REHVA’s Technical & EU Project Officer, presenting the key findings. Andrei Vladimir Lițiu, Executive Director of the EPB Center, will discuss standardisation initiatives, emphasising how technical standards can drive widespread adoption of wastewater heat recovery technologies. Industry perspectives, particularly from the International Copper Association, will provide insights into how these innovations can reduce energy consumption and support climate neutrality. The session serves as a technical deep-dive, aiming to show how these solutions can be scaled across Europe.
SESSION III: Innovating Energy Performance: Advancing Towards Climate Neutrality with SmartLivingEPC and tunES
Led by Cătălin Lungu, REHVA President, this session focuses on how advanced energy performance certification (EPC) systems can support the EU’s climate neutrality targets. A representative from an EU agency will discuss how next-generation EPCs can improve energy assessments, while Tomasz Cholewa presents case studies on optimising EPC and SRI systems. The panel will feature stakeholders from the public sector, building owners, EU institutions, and industry. Discussions will cover regulatory challenges, the practical impact of EPCs on property management, alignment with EU climate goals, and how technological innovations are advancing energy performance. The panel aims to address key opportunities and challenges in the future of EPC systems.