Regulations, Legislation & Compliance
As sustainability and energy performance requirements continue to evolve, HVAC-R manufacturers and building owners must adapt to a changing regulatory landscape. Explore the key regulations shaping the future of our industry.
EU Ecodesign to ESPR: Regulatory Evolution and Future Requirements for HVAC-R Products
EU Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC is the framework for setting ecodesign requirements for energy-related products (ErP) in individual ErP directives. The goal of ecodesign is to regulate products with significant energy consumption so that, step by step, less efficient technologies are phased out of the market.
This compels the industry to launch more efficient products, meaning that only the more efficient options remain available to consumers. Since 2009, a number of ErP directives have been implemented under this framework, covering everything from consumer goods—such as light bulbs and vacuum cleaners—to commercial products like heat pumps, chillers, and ventilation units (AHUs).
The Ecodesign Directive is being replaced by the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR, Regulation (EU) 2024/1781), which expands the scope to almost all physical products and introduces broader sustainability requirements, including the Digital Product Passport. New product-specific regulations are expected from 2026 onward, while existing ErP regulations remain valid until revised or replaced.
Examples in the HVAC-R business:
- Regulation for fans driven by motors - (EU) 2024/1834 - This is a new release, effective from summer 2026
- Regulation of space heater (EU) No 813/2013 – includes heat pumps - Draft for next release was published in December 2025. Stricter requirements will come
- Regulation (EU) 2016/2281 for Cooling product, includes Chillers - EU works on next release. Extended scope was proposed, e.g. including CRAC units
- Regulation (EU) No. 1253/2014 for ventilation units, relevant for air handling units - Draft of next revision was published in spring 2025. New release expected end of 2026 with a 2-year transition time (new requirements expected to take effect at the end of 2028).
EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive)
The EPBD Recast, Directive (EU) 2024/1275, strengthens the EU framework for improving building energy performance and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Its long-term target is a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050.
New buildings must become zero-emission buildings: from 2028 for buildings owned by public bodies and from 2030 for all new buildings. For existing buildings, the directive focuses especially on improving the worst-performing stock. Non-residential buildings must be below national “worst 16%” energy performance thresholds by 2030 and below “worst 26%” thresholds by 2033.
The recast also increases the importance of indoor environmental quality, technical building systems, automation, monitoring and control. FläktGroup solutions such as demand-controlled ventilation including VAV dampers & PI chilled beams, sensors, room controllers, energy efficient AHUs including heat recoveries, FläktEdge and Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) connectivity help support energy-efficient, healthy and future-ready buildings.
Requirements will be implemented through national legislation, so details vary by country.
Want to know more about EPBD? Read our article:
F-Gas: Preparing HVAC For a Low-GWP Future
The updated EU F-Gas Regulation (2024/573) accelerates the phase-down of high-GWP refrigerants, with a full phase-out targeted by 2050. Stricter limits and upcoming bans are driving the shift toward lower-GWP alternatives - often requiring new approaches to safety, system design, and refrigerant selection.
While existing systems remain serviceable, manufacturers like FläktGroup are already developing next-generation solutions to meet future requirements, balancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Want to know more about F-Gas Directive? Read our article:
PFAS: Understanding the Risks of Forever Chemicals
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, are a large, complex group of man-made synthetic chemicals used in consumer and industrial products since the 1950s.
What makes PFAS so useful also mean that they do not break down in the environment. They can persist in soil and water for thousands of years and accumulate over time in the bodies of humans and wildlife. Exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to several health issues, including: Increased risk of certain cancers, decreased immune system response, Thyroid and developmental effects in infants.
As regulations on PFAS continue to tighten worldwide, understanding their impact on HVAC systems is becoming increasingly important. This whitepaper, Environmental Impacts, Regulatory Trends and the Role of PFAS-Free Refrigerants in HVAC, provides an overview of PFAS-related environmental and health concerns, emerging regulatory trends, and how PFAS-free refrigerant solutions such as R32 can support a more sustainable and future-ready approach to cooling system design.