HVAC: Build better, consume less. Q&A with our expert.

How is your Building Services portfolio evolving to support building decarbonisation and the electrification of HVAC systems?

The European building sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the European Green Deal, the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the Fit for 55 package, all of which are focused on achieving climate neutrality by 2050. At the same time, the rapid adoption of heat pumps, the optimisation of district heating networks and the integration of smart building technologies are accelerating the electrification of heating systems.

To meet these evolving market requirements, our Building Services portfolio is developing in three key areas.

The first is making high efficiency the new standard. Our ecocirc S, M and L circulators combine permanent magnet motor technology with advanced hydraulic design to significantly reduce electricity consumption in residential and light commercial applications.

These products are supported by Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), providing independently verified life-cycle data that contribute to green building certification schemes. We have recently achieved EPD certification for this product range, reinforcing our commitment to environmental transparency and sustainable product development.

The second area focuses on system optimisation for larger commercial buildings. For commercial HVAC applications, ecocirc XL is supported by a Product Sustainability Report developed in accordance with the relevant Product Category Rules (PCRs), enabling consultants, designers and investors to assess environmental performance across the product's entire life cycle.

The third area combines integrated intelligence with premium motor efficiency. By pairing Hydrovar X with ultra-premium IE5 motors, we move beyond conventional pump control. The solution delivers maximum motor efficiency even under partial load, reduces energy losses compared with IE3 and IE4 motors, automatically adjusts pressure and flow to match real system demand, and simplifies retrofit projects across a wide range of power ratings and supply voltages.

Our competitive advantage lies in taking a system-level approach. Hydrovar X with IE5 motors doesn't simply optimise motor efficiency—it optimises the performance of the entire hydraulic system. The result is higher real-world efficiency, simpler commissioning and a faster return on investment.

What are the main obstacles today to improving energy efficiency in existing HVAC systems, and how can they be overcome?

The obstacles are very real and often compound one another. Concerns about the initial cost hold back decision-making, even when the life-cycle cost is favourable. Technical fragmentation is another factor: existing buildings often have oversized or poorly balanced systems. Added to this is a shortage of qualified technicians capable of managing hydraulic optimisation and digital integration. Finally, the complexity of incentive schemes can discourage those who lack the resources to navigate them.

To overcome these obstacles, the following are needed: clear communication on TCO (total cost of ownership) rather than focusing on the purchase price; plug-and-play retrofit solutions; integrated digital controls that reduce the complexity of commissioning; training programmes for installers and partners; and transparent sustainability documentation such as EPDs and product reports.

The solution lies in simplification. Retrofit-ready solutions, intuitive commissioning interfaces and integrated control logic reduce commissioning times and minimise risk.

What efficiency gains and reductions in energy consumption have you been able to demonstrate in HVAC modernisation projects?

Results depend on the starting point, but replacing fixed-speed pumps or those with IE1/IE2 motors with modern ECM circulators typically enables a 30–60 per cent reduction in the pumps’ electricity consumption.

By combining intelligent variable-speed drives with optimised control strategies, further savings are achieved through improved part-load performance and hydraulic balancing.

In addition to direct energy savings, modernisation improves system reliability, reduces noise levels and supports digital monitoring, creating operational value that goes far beyond simply reducing kWh consumption.

What role are digitalisation, intelligent control and data monitoring playing in the performance of HVAC systems?

Digitalisation is undoubtedly becoming a decisive factor. Modern HVAC systems must adapt dynamically to load variations, the supply of renewable energy and the operation of heat pumps. Intelligent controls enable variable Δp control — that is, automatic pressure regulation based on system demand — real-time adaptation, predictive maintenance and integration with BMS systems.

This evolution is now extending beyond buildings to digital infrastructure. The growth of AI and data centres is reshaping the global balance between water and energy: data centres rely on efficient cooling systems, and their rapid expansion is increasing the demand for intelligent water and energy management. HVAC technologies — high-efficiency pumps, variable-speed drives, advanced control algorithms — are essential for optimising cooling circuits, reducing indirect energy intensity and supporting water reuse strategies.

Digitalisation transforms theoretical efficiency into measurable performance.

Does the sector have the technical capacity and workforce needed to respond to the expected rise in energy-efficiency refurbishments? What is being done in terms of training?

There is a clear skills gap across Europe. The wave of refurbishments and the trend towards electrification will require an increasing number of qualified technicians capable of managing hydraulic optimisation and digital commissioning.

Manufacturers must take responsibility for investing in technical training programmes, digital simulation tools, application support and simplified commissioning interfaces.

Reducing complexity is also a form of training. The easier the system is to configure, the lower the barrier to correct installation.

What are the business prospects and strategy for 2026? And on the product front, what can we expect?

Three structural drivers are shaping the current period: the electrification of heating, the acceleration of energy retrofitting, and the growth of AI-driven digital infrastructure.

Our strategy focuses on efficiency beyond compliance, simplifying the portfolio with integrated intelligence, and digital integration as standard.

A flagship product in this context is the new Hydrovar X+ Smart Controller. In many systems, inefficiency stems not from hardware limitations but from sub-optimal control strategies. The Smart Controller unlocks hidden efficiency by enabling adaptive operation based on actual demand, significantly reducing commissioning times — and it is suitable for high-performance pumping systems with no power limitations. In terms of value, it ensures faster modernisation with lower intervention costs, reduced configuration complexity for installers and improved energy performance over the lifecycle.

We are also seeing strong growth in cooling applications linked to data centres and digital infrastructure. The expansion of AI is increasing pressure on both energy and water systems, particularly in regions subject to water stress. The opportunity is clear: not to increase freshwater withdrawals, but to optimise reuse, network efficiency and smart control.

The transition to Net Zero buildings and the digital economy share the same foundation: resilient and efficient water and energy systems. Our roadmap is designed to support both.