The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and the Coolproducts Campaign just launched a report that looks at the climate-compatibility of the portfolios of manufacturers of domestic heating systems.

A new brand audit reveals that most of Europe’s leading manufacturers of heating systems are delaying the phase-out of fossil gas and oil boilers, putting the EU on path to miss its 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

The heating and cooling sector is responsible for half of the EU’s annual energy consumption and a third of its CO2 emissions.

Yet, despite efforts to portray themselves as sustainable, most of Europe’s leading manufacturers of heating systems haven’t yet disclosed plans to switch production from fossil-fuel boilers to solar thermal systems and heat pumps, according to a brand audit and questionnaire evaluating the climate-compatibility of their portfolios.

Brand Audit: leaders & laggards of the European heating sector Download

The report was commissioned by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) – Europe’s largest network of green groups – on behalf of the Coolproducts campaign.

The audit reveals that 42 out of 53 companies interviewed either refused to disclose information about their climate plans or admitted having no such plans. These companies include big names such as Bosch, Carrier and Toyota.

Of the remaining companies surveyed, only six sell exclusively heat pumps and solar heating systems, while five are in the process of transitioning towards sustainable solutions. 

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