At Trane, we believe that sustainability and profit can go hand in hand. The first step for facility managers is to look holistically at their heating and cooling processes. When combining both, the potential to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs is huge.

The world’s largest untapped source of energy
It is estimated that, in the EU alone, buildings and industries generate as much as 2,860 TWh of excess heat every year. This energy potential matches the total energy demand for heating and hot water in residential and service sector buildings across Europe. So, what is preventing building and factory owners from repurposing excess heat to meet the demand for heat elsewhere in their building or operations?

Technology is not a barrier. Trane provides a wide range of thermal management solutions to help customers reduce the carbon footprint of their cooling and heating processes now. However, while heat pumps and heat recovery systems offer attractive ROI on the long-term, the upfront cost can still be perceived as an obstacle.

Existing policies in the EU do not provide an extensive framework for waste heat to be seized at its full: in fact, while waste heat is recognised by the EU as a renewable energy source, its use is mostly directed towards district heating and cooling networks. While this is surely a step in the right direction, a comprehensive and effective European decarbonisation strategy should not overlook the recovery and on-site use of excess heat, especially in applications where there is a simultaneous need for heating and cooling throughout the year. For facility managers and building owners, on-site waste heat recovery can be a lot more cost-effective and achievable, especially in locations where district heating networks are not established.

Tapping into EU funding mechanisms
To help accelerate the adoption of low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and heat recovery systems, various policy incentives and subsidies have been introduced across the EU.

Conclusion
Europe's approach to decarbonizing comfort and industrial heat involves a mix of regulatory measures, financial incentives, and collaborative initiatives. These efforts are designed to promote the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy sources, and innovative low-carbon solutions.

Partner with Trane to help you find and implement the right solution to start decarbonizing your operations today.

A list of programs and initiatives that include subsidies and funding mechanisms to help you get started is available here:

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