The European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) and the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE) have published a joint position on the ongoing review of the EU Taxonomy Climate and Environmental Delegated Acts. The review aims to simplify and update technical screening criteria, including those relevant to heat pumps, energy efficiency equipment and building‑related activities. The paper responds to the Commission’s draft amendments and assesses their implications for the refrigeration, air‑conditioning and heat pump sector.

The document outlines several changes to the Climate Delegated Act that directly affect heat pumps and activities linked to buildings. These include the removal of the section dedicated to the installation and operation of electric heat pumps, which is now integrated into other categories related to renewable technologies and energy efficiency equipment. The criteria for manufacturing and for the renovation of buildings, as well as for installation and maintenance activities, are also updated. EHPA and EPEE note that these requirements remain spread across different parts of the text and call for a clearer structure to support their application in the building climate control sector.

The associations propose consolidating heat pump criteria into two core technical screening requirements—one for manufacture and one for installation and operation—applicable across all relevant activities, including building renovation and data centres. They also welcome the inclusion of acquisition, rental and leasing in the Taxonomy, recognising the role of innovative business models in supporting the uptake of efficient heating and cooling technologies.