Transforming Residential Energy Systems Across Europe

The global demand for energy has surged by 19% since 2010, with over half of this increase attributed to the building sector. Fossil fuels still account for 80% of energy consumption, contributing significantly to climate change. In response, the European Union (EU) has set ambitious goals to reduce CO₂ equivalent emissions in an increasingly drastic manner. Projects like ITS4ZEB are crucial to achieving these targets by encouraging the use of natural fluids, such as hydrocarbons, and promoting renewable energy sources. Buildings, particularly residential ones, are some of the contributors to energy consumption. Traditional heating and cooling systems rely heavily on fossil fuels and electric current drawn from the grid, leading to high carbon footprints. The ITS4ZEB project addresses this by introducing cutting-edge technologies designed to optimise energy use and reduce dependency on non-renewable resources.