Keep your cool: sustainable solutions for a warming continent

As Europe faces rising temperatures, more frequent heatwaves, and growing public health risks, the need for sustainable, equitable cooling solutions is becoming urgent. Already, 48,000 heat-related deaths occur annually across Europe, and temperature-driven mortality is set to rise. Cooling is the fastest growing end-use for energy in buildings, growing at 6% per year since 2000. With no action, energy demand for cooling is projected to triple by 2050, bringing with it challenges such as peak summer electricity load, summer energy poverty, and public health risks.

Join the Cool Heating Coalition for our high-level event in the European Parliament, which brings together policymakers, experts, and civil society to explore how Europe can future-proof its buildings and cities against extreme heat. From new mandates in the Energy Efficiency Directive to the evolving roles of the EPBD and Climate Adaptation Strategy, we’ll examine how the EU’s policy landscape can support just and resilient cooling.

Join us for an insightful discussion on innovative cooling technologies, urban planning, building-level action, and policy coordination. Together, we’ll ask: how can we design a future where Europe’s cities can stay cool, safe, and healthy?

Where? European Parliament, Brussels. Room SPAAK 7C50.

When? 10:00-12:00

The event will be followed by a festive picnic in Sq. de Meeûs until 14:30 (click here for the exact location).

This event is kindly hosted by Dario Tamburrano MEP. Our partners are the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, CoolLIFE, Euroheat & Power.

Agenda

Introduction and welcome – Dario Tamburrano MEP and Delia Villagrasa, Cool Heating Coalition

Chilling facts – Giulia Conforto, e-think Energy Research (CoolLIFE project)

Taking the temperature: current science and looking to 2050 – Dr Marie Cavitte, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Cities Refresh campaign: helping cities adapt to rising temperatures and extreme heat – Allison Le Corre, Energy Cities

Pumping up the potential: policies and markets for natural refrigerants – Adam Aucock, Environmental Investigation Agency

Market outlook for district cooling 2025 – Eloi Piel, Euroheat & Power

Potential for district cooling in cities: examples, benefits and policy recommendations – Neil Parry, Alfa Laval

The event will end with a plenary debate.