Modern HVAC systems face the dual challenge of adhering to energy and emission regulations to safeguard the external environment, while ensuring optimal indoor comfort. Almost 40% of a building's energy consumption is attributed to HVAC systems. The adoption of efficient and sustainable heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning technologies plays a pivotal role in decarbonising buildings and achieving the critical goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Innovation is powering sustainable technologies, with systems including geothermal heat pumps and solar energy systems working in tandem with district heating networks to create greener energy solutions. Central to the majority of these technologies is the use of hot and cold water cycles to transfer thermal energy.
Regulatory landscape
While the drive to meet that net zero target is strong, buildings cannot reduce their carbon footprints at the expense of safety and related building regulations. The regulations must still be adhered to, which in the case of HVAC include:
- Directive (EU) 2018/2002 (amending Directive 2012/27/EU) on energy efficiency, which outlines mandatory requirements for remote reading capability for heat metering. This is applicable to systems installed after October 2020.
- The Energy-Related Products Directive (ErP), which outlines the energy efficiency requirements for all energy-related products. HVAC systems fall under this directive, and to remain compliant they must meet certain energy efficiency standards.
How Xylem can help with HVAC energy consumption
Xylem’s suite of solutions are purposely designed to reduce energy consumption and decarbonise buildings. Created to last, they prevent inefficiency and unnecessary energy usage. Our broad range of products can be tailored in various combinations to create innovative solutions aligned with individual building standards, simultaneously reducing your carbon footprint.