EPEE welcomes the start of the EU eco-labelling scheme, wich recently kicked off.  Representing the European air-conditioning, heat pump, and refrigeration industry, EPEE is highly committed to contributing to the success and recognition of the European Eco-label.

 

EPEE Chairman Frans Hoorelbeke commented that “EPEE strongly supports the EU eco-label, as an important scheme to change consumers’ behaviour and encourage the industry to develop heat pumps with high energy efficiency and low global warming impact across Europe.” In the past years, many Member States have recognised the potential of heat pumps to lower the use of primary energy sources and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EU eco-label builds on existing schemes used in several Member States which have their own heat pump certification programmes or tax incentive programmes. 

Heat pumps offer a very energy efficient way to provide space heating, because they are able to remove heat from ground, air or water sources and transfer it into buildings at elevated temperatures. Even when outdoor conditions are far below 0°C, there is still heat energy that can be moved. The key for this technology is the use of a “refrigerant” which can absorb and release heat, by evaporating and condensing in a closed piping circuit. By moving energy instead of producing it, heat pumps enable the development of heating (with optional cooling or sanitary hot water) based on renewable energy sources and can make a significant contribution to protect the environment.