CIBSE Technical Team members Sam Baptist and Dr Zoe De Grussa recently attended the 2025 REHVA Summit in Brussels. As part of CIBSE’s membership of REHVA, an alliance of leading HVAC associations across the EU, our participation in these events provides an important platform to collaborate, share expertise, and influence policy, technical guidance, and research initiatives across Europe.
Day 1 – REHVA standing committees
The first day of the summit focused on REHVA’s Standing Committees, bringing together members to discuss key sector priorities. Topics included the latest developments in education and training, upcoming REHVA publications, and a session on emerging technologies and research priorities shaping future proposals. These discussions highlighted the challenges and opportunities for HVAC professionals across Europe and set the agenda for future initiatives.
Day 2 – Policy Conference
The second day featured a policy conference held at the Van Maerlant building of the European Economic and Social Committee. The conference, themed “HVAC in Zero-Emission Buildings: Solutions for IEQ and Affordable Buildings”, reflected the growing importance of HVAC systems in delivering healthy, low-carbon, and cost-effective buildings.
This conference was particularly timely as the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) enters its implementation phase. Sessions explored how the EPBD can help Europe meet its climate, health, and social objectives, with a focus on HVAC’s contribution to indoor environmental quality (IEQ), building affordability, and large-scale renovation.
Delegates heard from high-profile speakers, including Niels Ladefoged, Deputy Head of Buildings & Products at DG ENER; Jutta Paulus, German Greens MEP; and Stefan Moser, Coordinator of the European Commission’s Special Taskforce on Housing. A panel discussion on private finance examined how investment can accelerate retrofitting, energy efficiency, and building decarbonisation.
CIBSE’s ongoing role in Europe
CIBSE’s active involvement in REHVA ensures that our technical expertise continues to shape international approaches to building performance, standards, and IEQ. At the same time, it allows us to learn from our international counterparts and anticipate emerging trends and policy developments relevant to the UK.
By engaging with REHVA and other international organisations, CIBSE ensures that our members’ knowledge, priorities, and technical leadership continue to influence global policy and practice—supporting the delivery of high-quality, sustainable buildings across Europe and beyond.
