EVIA Calls for Greater Visibility of Ventilation Systems in Energy Performance Certificates

As Member States continue to transpose the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), EVIA has written to the European Commission to highlight the importance of making mechanical ventilation systems more visible within Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

The letter underlines the essential role of mechanical ventilation in delivering healthy indoor environments, improving indoor air quality, and supporting the objectives of both the EPBD and the New European Bauhaus initiative. EVIA encourages the Commission to promote the inclusion of clear ventilation-related information in EPCs displayed at the point of sale or rental, helping building owners, buyers and tenants make informed decisions about the operation, maintenance and renovation of buildings.

By increasing the visibility of ventilation systems within existing EPC frameworks, Member States can improve awareness of indoor environmental quality while supporting more effective implementation of European energy and health policies.

Read EVIA’s letter to the European Commission here.

New Industry Paper Supports TBS and BACS Manufacturers in Preparing for the Cyber Resilience Act

EVIA is pleased to announce the publication of a new cross-industry paper, “Obligations and Opportunities for Technical Building Systems and Building Automation and Control Systems Manufacturers under the Cyber Resilience Act.” Developed together with leading European industry associations, the paper provides practical, non-binding guidance to help manufacturers understand and prepare for the implementation of the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).

The Cyber Resilience Act introduces lifecycle-based cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements, making cybersecurity an integral part of product design, development, maintenance and support. For Technical Building Systems (TBS) and Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS), this represents an important step towards more resilient, secure and trustworthy buildings.

Rather than viewing compliance as a regulatory burden, the paper highlights the opportunities the CRA creates for the sector, including:

• strengthening security-by-design and secure-by-default product development;
• improving product quality and lifecycle management;
• increasing transparency throughout the supply chain;
• supporting secure interoperability across multi-vendor environments; and
• building greater confidence in connected building technologies.

The publication also outlines practical recommendations for manufacturers, covering vulnerability handling, secure update strategies, lifecycle support, risk-based security approaches and preparation for upcoming reporting obligations under the CRA. It recognises the unique characteristics of technical building systems, including long product lifecycles, resource-constrained devices and the need to balance cybersecurity with operational continuity.

Developed collaboratively by EVIA together with ARGE, EHPA, eu.bac, EDSF, EPEE, EnOcean Alliance, Eurovent, European Ventilation Hygiene Association (EVHA), smartEn and VDMA Building Automation and Controls, the paper reflects a shared industry commitment to supporting manufacturers as they prepare for the new regulatory framework.

As cybersecurity becomes an increasingly important component of building performance and resilience, collaboration between manufacturers, policymakers and standards organisations will be essential to ensure a smooth transition and support innovation across Europe’s built environment.

The industry paper is available for download here: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20506150

SMART VENTILATION WHITE PAPER

Smart ventilation closes the gap between design intent and real operation by shifting toward a performance-based approach: healthier indoor air with less energy.

Mechanical ventilation is essential for healthy and comfortable indoor spaces. It helps dilute pollutants, manage humidity, and support well-being. Yet, in many buildings, it still runs on fixed schedules, static settings, or manual intervention. That can be misaligned with reality: rooms are not always occupied as expected, uses change, and operation is rarely ‘as designed’.

As anticipated by this article: the white paper explains why smart ventilation matters for the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) delivery. Smart ventilation closes the gap between design intent and real-world operation by shifting toward a performance-based approach: delivering the right air, at the right time, in the right place, while keeping energy use as low as possible.

As Europe raises requirements on indoor environmental quality and accelerates renovations, how ventilation performs in day-to-day operation becomes a policy issue, not just an engineering detail.

Read more HERE

World Ventil8 Day: Collaborate to Ventilate

EVIA joins global coalition for Healthy Indoor Air at UNGA80

As part of the upcoming high-level side event “Healthy Indoor Air: A Global Call to Action”, more than 60 leading international organizations are joining forces to drive meaningful action on indoor air quality.

From UN agencies to top universities, from public health institutions to building technology experts, this coalition sends a clear message:
the air we breathe indoors is a global issue — central to public health, equity, and climate resilience.

Indoor Air Quality as a Human Right

Indoor Air Quality must become a basic human right.
That is why the European Ventilation Industry Association (EVIA) is honored to contribute to this international effort, representing the European ventilation sector and reaffirming our industry’s vital role in delivering healthy, sustainable, and energy-efficient indoor environments through sufficient but controlled air replacement.

EVIA’s Representation

📍 EVIA will be represented in person by Salvatore Cataldi, Chairman of our Digital & Data Working Group, who will attend and sign the Global Pledge for Healthy Indoor Air.

Event Details

• Date: 23 September 2025
• Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York
• Co-sponsors: Governments of France and Montenegro
• Highlight: Formal launch of the Global Pledge for Healthy Indoor Air

Our Partners

We warmly thank the 60+ global partners involved, including:
WHO, UNEP, ASHRAE, REHVA, ISIAQ, Harvard Healthy Buildings, the International WELL Building Institute, and many others who stand with us in this collective commitment.

Further Resources

📖 Read EVIA’s IAQ Manifesto: Good Indoor Air Quality Must Become a Basic Human Right (June 2024)

EVIA elects new leadership team at 2025 Annual General Meeting

Brussels, 15 May 2025: Members of the European Ventilation Industry Association (EVIA) gathered in Brussels and online for the 2025 Annual General Meeting. The meeting included the election of four Steering Committee positions, the renewal of key mandates and strategic discussions on the sector’s role in delivering Europe’s green and healthy buildings agenda.

Yves Lambert (Renson) and Jürgen Albig (Ziehl-Abegg) were both re-elected by the membership for new mandates running until 2028. Julien Grilliat (ebmpapst) was elected for the first time to the Steering Committee, also with a mandate until 2028. Following his recent move to FGK, an EVIA association member, Holger Thamm vacated his seat on the Steering Committee, in line with EVIA’s statutes, which allow only representatives of company members to serve.

EVIA also confirms the re-election of Pierre Cruveillé (Aldes) as Chairman, Yves Lambert (Renson) as Vice-Chair, and Johannes Bollman (Zehnder) as Treasurer, continuing their leadership mandates with renewed confidence and support from the membership.

EVIA extends its sincere thanks to Axel Diepolder (Helios), who did not stand for re-election. As a long-standing member of the Steering Committee and former EVIA Chairman, Axel has contributed immensely to EVIA’s development and visibility. His dedication and leadership since the very beginning of the association have been instrumental. EVIA is grateful for his service and wishes him all the best, with the hope of welcoming him back in the future.

The updated EVIA Steering Committee now consists of:

• Chairman: Pierre Cruveillé (Aldes, ’27)
• Vice-Chair: Yves Lambert (Renson, ’28)
• Treasurer: Johannes Bollman (Zehnder, ’27)
• Joan Miró Ramos (Soler & Palau, ’27)
• Julien Grilliat (ebmpapst, ’28)
• Jürgen Albig (Ziehl-Abegg, ’28)
• Chris Yates (FETA, NALG)
• Laurent Cifoux (Groupe Atlantic, ’27)

During the meeting, members also reviewed strategic and regulatory developments including the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), Ecodesign revisions (GROW Lot 6 & ENER Lot 11), indoor air quality advocacy, digitalisation in ventilation (Cyber Resilience Act), and progress on circular economy and sustainability standards across the EU.

EVIA Joins the Ecodesign Forum to Champion Sustainable Product Development

We are thrilled to announce that the European Ventilation Industry Association (EVIA) has been appointed as a member of the newly established Ecodesign Forum. This expert group, launched by the European Commission on November 7, 2024, aims to make sustainable products the norm within a strengthened, competitive EU Single Market.

Understanding the Ecodesign Forum

The Ecodesign Forum is set to play a pivotal role in implementing the new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which establishes a comprehensive framework for setting mandatory performance and information requirements on products. These ecodesign requirements will help make products more sustainable and create a stronger EU single market.

The Forum will gather a wide range of stakeholders, including experts appointed by Member States, as well as representatives from industry, civil society, and academia. It will be consulted on all key steps of the ecodesign process, including the development of ecodesign requirements and the preparation of ESPR working plans, which will set out the products and measures to be addressed over a given period.

EVIA’s Role and Commitment

As a member of the Ecodesign Forum, EVIA is committed to actively participating in the development of ecodesign requirements and the preparation of ESPR working plans. Our involvement will ensure that the ventilation industry’s perspectives are well-represented, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in product design.

We look forward to collaborating with fellow members to drive impactful change and contribute to the EU’s vision of a sustainable and circular economy.

EVIA – World Ventil8 Day

Advocating for Healthier Indoor Air in Europe

Celebrate World Ventil8 Day with EVIA to make a concerted effort towards healthier indoor environments. Through collective action, let’s enhance our quality of life, safeguard vulnerable populations, and advance Europe’s energy efficiency objectives.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Europeans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where air can be up to eight times more polluted than outside. This stark reality presents significant health impacts, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, mental health disorders, and premature deaths. The World Health Organization attributes around 150,000 premature deaths in Europe annually to poor IAQ. Mechanical ventilation systems are key to tackle this situation by ensuring efficient air renewal and pollutant removal in a controlled way.

Modern systems, like heat recovery and demand-controlled ventilation, offer intelligent solutions to optimize both IAQ and energy consumption, ensuring healthier, more comfortable living and working spaces.

Taking Action: Policy and Practice

The recent updates to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) set the groundwork for improved IAQ regulations. However, further action is needed. We call for:

1. Mandatory Ventilation Rates: All member states should include in their building regulation compulsory ventilation rates for all types buildings and ensure their effective enforcement.
2. IAQ and Ventilation Data Integration: Incorporating ventilation and IAQ data within the Building Stock Observatory for better building assessments and knowledge.
3. Ecodesign Enhancements: Updating requirements to prioritize energy-efficient ventilation systems and make them eligible to financial support in the frame of the taxonomy regulation.
4. Public Procurement Standards: Embedding IAQ criteria in public contracts to encourage healthier building practices.

Get Involved

World Ventil8 Day is our chance to champion the cause of cleaner indoor air. Whether you’re a policy-maker, architect, homeowner, or one of the many professionals within the HVAC community, your involvement is key to our collective success.

1. Watch & Share: Explore our curated library of resources and videos featuring experts discussing the importance of IAQ and mechanical ventilation.
2. Act & Advocate: Learn about the specific measures governments and individuals can take to improve ventilation standards.
3. Connect & Collaborate: Reach out to networks and professional bodies dedicated to advancing ventilation technologies and solutions across Europe.

Building a Healthier Future

Celebrate World Ventil8 Day with EVIA to make a concerted effort towards healthier indoor environments. Through collective action, let’s enhance our quality of life, safeguard vulnerable populations, and advance Europe’s energy efficiency objectives.

Together, let’s breathe life into the future of European buildings!

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Find out more

• Indoor Air Quality: the overlooked cornerstone of healthy citizens and durable buildings. Interview with Pierre Cruveillé (September 2024)
• Good indoor air quality must become a basic human right. Indoor Air Manifesto (June 2024)
• EVIA’s facts & figures on indoor air quality

PRESS RELEASE: Good Indoor Air Quality Must Become a Basic Human Right: Launch of the IAQ Manifesto 

Today, we launch our joint manifesto: good air quality must become a basic human right. Together with the co-signatories, we highlight the critical importance of indoor air quality for our health, for our economy and for our future generations. 

As the European Parliament and Commission enter into a new mandate this year, we must not forget that the need for good air quality does not stop at our doorstep, but also includes the air we breathe indoors – where we spend 90% of our daily lives. 

Therefore, we call for greater political attention and legislative action to ensure that indoor air quality (IAQ) receives the recognition and resources it deserves. The manifesto outlines how IAQ considerations could be integrated into the European policy framework, ensuring that future policies prioritise the health and comfort of people living, working and studying in Europe’s buildings. 

Notably, we call on European policymakers to: 

• make “access to good quality air” (including indoor air) a basic human right by bringing the adaptations needed to the European Treaties and Charter of Fundamental rights if needed; 

• give equal (high) consideration to “indoor air quality” as to “ambient air quality” in the adoption of new and revised EU policies; 

• operate a screening of all EU policies fit for improved measures towards good indoor air quality and make new ambitious suggestions. 

The manifesto is co-signed by the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) Europe, the European Association of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Contractors (AREA), the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE), the European Ventilation Industry Association (EVIA), Eurovent, the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA), and GCP Europe. Together, these organisations represent a broad spectrum of stakeholders committed to improving indoor air quality across Europe. We are open to other like-minded organisations who would like to join our coalition and push for action on IAQ in Europe. 

Read the full manifesto here, and get in touch with the EVIA Secretariat (secretariat@evia.eu) to find out more. 

PRESS RELEASE – NEW LEADERSHIP AT EVIA: PIERRE CRUVEILLÉ NAMED CHAIRPERSON

EVIA Announces New Leadership: Pierre Cruveillé as Chairperson, Yves Lambert and Holger Thamm as Vice-Chairs.

After a successful Annual General Assembly in Brussels last week, the European Ventilation Industry Association (EVIA) is proud to introduce its new leadership team. Mr. Pierre Cruveillé has been appointed as the new Chairperson, with Mr. Yves Lambert from Renson as newly elected Vice-Chair and Mr. Holger Thamm from Stiebel Eltron as re-elected Vice-Chair. EVIA is also pleased to announce the re-election of Mr. Johannes Bollman from Zehnder as Treasurer.

Pierre Cruveillé brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as the Public Affairs Director at ALDES since 2016, where he has been instrumental in shaping public policy and industry standards. Prior to this, Pierre had a distinguished 20-year career particularly in the European Parliament and as Deputy Director of AREVA’s representation to the European institutions. His vast network and expertise in advocacy issues, business development, international relations, and strategic planning will be invaluable assets to EVIA.

“At a time full of opportunities for the ventilation industry, I feel honoured and obliged to have been chosen as Chairman of our association. As previous holder of this position, I would like to sincerely thank Axel for his leadership over the past two years which allowed us to achieve much collectively. I look forward to pursuing the work with the new Steering Committee and the members at large of our association so that mechanical ventilation is fully acknowledged for its contribution to making buildings more healthy and energy efficient.”

EVIA would also like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the outgoing chairperson, Axel Diepolder, for his outstanding work and numerous successes during his tenure. Axel’s leadership has set a strong foundation for the association’s future endeavours.

In addition, EVIA is pleased to announce that Joan Miro Ramos, Axel Diepolder, Jurgen Albig, Chris Yates, and Lauren Cifoux will join or remain on the steering committee, ensuring continuity and experienced guidance.

Join us in welcoming Pierre Cruveillé, Yves Lambert, Holger Thamm, and Johannes Bollman to their new roles within EVIA. Under their leadership, we are poised for continued success in shaping the future of the European ventilation industry.

EVIA congratulates the European Parliament on a historic vote for improved Indoor Environmental Quality in Buildings

EVIA, a leading advocate for the mechanical ventilation industry and indoor air quality, congratulates the European Parliament, and particularly Rapporteur Ciarán Cuffe, on the successful adoption of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in its final vote on March 12, 2024.

This landmark decision marks a significant milestone in advancing the health and well-being of millions of EU citizens. Notably, the EPBD includes important provisions and new requirements on Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), a historic first in EU legislation.

“After over two years of work on the revision of the EPBD, today’s adoption of the finalised text by the European Parliament consists in a very significant milestone on the road to achieving a fully healthy and energy-efficient building stock.” said Pierre Cruveillé, EVIA’s Vice-President

The inclusion of IEQ requirements represents a significant improvement in building regulation, ensuring that buildings across the European Union prioritise the health and comfort of occupants. By addressing key factors such as ventilation rates, humidity, and presence of contaminants, the EPBD sets a new standard for sustainable and healthy building practices.

EVIA commends the European Parliament for its leadership in recognising the importance of IEQ and taking decisive action to incorporate it into the EPBD. This commitment to enhancing indoor environments will have far-reaching benefits, from improving productivity and cognitive function to reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses and other health issues.

As an association dedicated to indoor air quality, we look forward to supporting the ambitious implementation of these groundbreaking provisions to ensure their successful integration into building practices across all EU Member States.

EVIA presents the Ventilation Performance Assessment Tool (VPAT) at ISH

Yves Lambert, lead of the EVIA Task Force on the Ventilation Performance Assessment Tool (VPAT), was pleased to present for the first time to the public EVIA’s Ventilation Performance Assessment Tool (VPAT) during ISH, the world’s leading trade fair for HVAC + Water, in Frankfurt, in Germany.

Read more here.