ADC3R, ASERCOM, EHI, EHPA and EPEE, representing the heating and cooling industry (HVACR) together with ECSLA and Transfrigoroute International, representing the cold storage and temperature controlled logistics sector, call on EU Member State governments to consider their services and manufacturing sites as critical to maintain the health, safety, productivity and comfort of citizens whilst measures are taken to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
In these unprecedented times, our organisations support the measures governments are taking to guarantee the immediate safety and wellbeing of European citizens, drawing attention to the essential role of our sectors:
- – For the continued distribution of heat-sensitive medicines and medical devices
- – For the transport, delivery and storage of fresh food
- – The operation of key facilities such as datacentres
- – For the health and well-being of people with emergency air circulation, temperature regulation, and heating and cooling equipment
Our sectors produce, install, service and use systems for heating and cooling. Heating and cooling systems are even more essential today to ensure that health measures can be safely implemented, in hospitals, supermarkets, or caring homes, but also to ensure that citizens across Europe, staying at home, have functioning heating and cooling systems and hot water supply. Likewise, the cold storage and refrigerated transport industry continue to be critical services to ensure the continuity of the cold chain and allow for example shops and supermarkets to be replenished on a daily basis. For these reasons, it will be essential that HVACR technicians are allowed to intervene in case of required equipment installation, maintenance or failure, especially in critical infrastructures; and that the cold chain is able to work continuously.
We have now reached a crucial moment, when decisions are taken to define which facilities and services are critical for a country’s operation. HVACR services and manufacturing sites as well as the entire cold chain are part of such critical infrastructure and should therefore be allowed to keep running.
Through this difficult time, more than ever, our industries remain committed to maintain the health, safety, productivity and comfort of employees and all citizens.
About ADC3R
Our association, ADC3R, promotes the interests of the companies which cumulatively carry out the activities of distribution, filling, recovery and reclaiming of refrigerant in France, major actors in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. Our members are also key actors in Europe As such, we represent more than 400 supply points and 90% of the natural and synthetic refrigerants in distribution in France. Through our industrial network, we also guarantee the collecting and treatment of all fluorinated refrigerants and are therefore an essential part of the environmental policy for refrigerants. Therefore, we are the key players in the process of substitution of chlorinated and then fluorinated greenhouse gases with the implementation of the Montreal and Kyoto protocols. We have always been pro-active in the different phases of this substitution, taking care to promote the most effective actions to reduce emissions while always having the safety of operators and users as a concomitant concern.
About ASERCOM
ASERCOM, the Association of European Component Manufacturers is the platform for dealing with scientific and technical topics and their challenges. Our aim is to promote standards for performance rating, methods of testing and product safety. We focus on improved environmental protection, supporting the HVAC & R industry and its customers. One of the strengths of ASERCOM is the cross- company cooperation of the member company’s delegates and the resultant knowledge transfer. In fivedifferent areas of activities ASERCOM is dealing with the following key topics: certifications, standards, technologies, policies and regulations, and communications.
About EHI
The European heating industry brings together companies that are leaders in the production of efficient heating systems. Our engineers develop the heating solution for every building need, from boilers to solar thermal systems, from heat pumps to fuel cells, from radiators to underfloor heating. Whether it is a cottage in Sweden, a skyscraper in Frankfurt or a guesthouse in Sicily, we make it work. For tomorrow’s changed energy system, our members are innovating in hybrid and digital solutions. They develop high- efficiency and renewable-based systems. These innovations will improve Europe’s homes and our environment.
About ECSLA
ECSLA is the European umbrella association for the temperature controlled logistics sector. We represent food business operators who deal in particular with foodstuff that needs to be stored, transported and distributed in temperature controlled conditions. Our members daily business is to take care of frozen and fresh (perishable) food and to provide the temperature controlled storage capacity to safely freeze, store and distribute raw materials such as fruit and vegetable as well as meats and fish products, essential ingredients such as milk and dairy products and all finished frozen food like ice-cream, readymade dishes, etc. ECSLA member companies and national associations are a crucial link in the food supply chain connecting producers and processing companies with retailers and ultimately with the consumer. Our members run public cold stores across the EU with a capacity of more than 60 Mio. Cubic meters.
About EHPA
The Brussels based European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) represents the majority of the European heat pump industry. It has currently 123 members from all parts of the industry’s value chain: heat pump and component manufacturers, research institutes, universities, testing labs and energy agencies. Its key goal is to promote awareness and proper deployment of heat pump technology in the European marketplace for residential, commercial and industrial application. EHPA coordinates the European Quality label for heat pumps and the EUCERT education and training scheme for heat pump installers. It compiles the annual sales statistics and market outlook.
About EPEE
The European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE) represents the refrigeration, air- conditioning and heat pump industry in Europe. Founded in the year 2000, EPEE’s membership is composed of over 50 member companies as well as national and international associations from three continents (Europe, North America, Asia). With manufacturing sites and research and development facilities across the EU, which innovate for the global market, EPEE member companies realize a turnover of over 30 billion Euros, employ more than 200,000 people in Europe and also create indirect employment through a vast network of small and medium-sized enterprises such as contractors who install, service and maintain equipment.
About Transfrigoroute International
Transfrigoroute International is the specialist independent umbrella association for the temperature- controlled road transport sector. Founded in 1955, Transfrigoroute International is the only organization active at the EU level which represents the temperature-controlled transport sector. TI members include haulage companies, involved with transport at controlled temperatures of foodstuffs and other goods in solid or liquid form, manufacturers and technical testing organisations. TI membership is also open to service companies which provide technical assistance, insurance and damage assessment services, legal assistance and en-route support and patrons who support the association’s objectives.
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
