In its 2040 Communication published on 6 February 2024, the European Commission rightfully acknowledges the substantial CO2 reduction potential within the building and industrial sectors, accounting respectively for 42% and 25.6% of the EU’s final energy consumption and still relying significantly on fossil-fuels.
However, heating and cooling demands is missing from the Communication, despite accounting for 80% of buildings’ energy consumption and 60% of industries’ total energy needs. EFIEES and other organisations deplore this omission.
The statement, gathering industry associations and NGOs, urges immediate action to phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling systems, accelerate building renovations, and harness the vast potential of renewable and recovered heat sources available within the EU.