A workshop was recently co-organised by the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE), the Czech Association for Cooling and Air Conditioning (SCHKT), and the Society of Environmental Engineering (STP).

It aimed at providing Czech stakeholders with an introduction to new and up-coming EU laws that will have a profound impact on industry, professionals and consumers alike – ranging from energy efficiency goals, stringent rules for operating air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, and renewable energy goals that will boost technologies like heat pumps. Discussions particularly focused on the fact that improved energy efficiency is a win-win situation - reducing the environmental impact of energy use and saving money for consumers, industry and governments. Friedrich P. Busch, Director General of EPEE: “We were particularly pleased to hold our event in Prague in light of the upcoming Czech Presidency of the European Union. Our discussion highlighted the enormous potential of new heating and cooling technologies, improved working practices, combined with a good partnership with public authorities, to really deliver gains in energy efficiency and carbon reductions”.

EPEE’s workshop received the full backing of the Czech Environment Ministry, which is particularly interested in discussing the role of renewable energy technologies in the fight against climate change.  A high-level representative from the Ministry of Industry also explained to the audience the potential impact of the EU Climate Change Package on Czech industry. EPEE hopes to hold similar outreach events in other new Member States in order to promote awareness of upcoming EU rules impacting the industry, professionals and consumers, reveals the entity’s press release.