Mar 29, 2024

Europe has seen many milestones over the last 30 years. From the creation of the European Union to the introduction of the Euro, the most monumental moments have transcended boundaries, and united countries. Back in 1994 things were about to change for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC+R) industry, with the introduction of the first Eurovent HVAC and refrigeration certification programmes. Designed by the industry, for the industry, third-party certification burst onto the scene, reinforcing trust in product performance and creating a level playing field for HVAC+R manufacturers.

Today a staggering 74% of HVAC+R products sold on the European market are Eurovent certified. Growing from humble beginnings with just two certification programmes, Eurovent Certification has now gained worldwide recognition, with nearly 50 different programmes available. Eurovent Certification is now of the largest independent HVAC&R certification bodies worldwide.

In the beginning

Today Eurovent Certification has delivered 30 years of trusted performance, but our story starts in 1990. There had been growing calls in the European HVAC&R industry for an independent system, to verify compliance against standards and codes. The vision of a third-party voluntary certification scheme emerged.

The industry association Eurovent took on the challenge. After several years of collaboration with the wider HVAC industry, an independent legal entity called the Eurovent Certification Company was established in 1993.

Now it was time for the hard work to begin. In 1994 certification activities commenced in earnest, with two Eurovent Certified Performance programmes available for fan coil units and air conditioning products up to 100kW cooling capacity. Jacques Benoist was appointed Director, with Sulejman Becirspahic appointed Technical Secretary. 

Further programmes were soon added including liquid chillers and heat exchangers. With energy savings and CO2 reduction core goals, certification programmes were based on test methods developed within Eurovent Recommendations as well as CEN and ISO standards. 

1994 also saw the first data collections launched for chillers and fan coil units, providing reliable market data to manufacturers. This was to become a key aspect of work for the certification body, and by 1999, the first quarterly data collections were launched.

The 2000s and 2010s

In 2007, Eurovent Market Intelligence (EMI) was officially created as a department within Eurovent Certification, becoming the European statistics office for the HVACR market. In 2013 EMI became an independent entity, evolving into Eurovent Services Company. 

Working closely with manufacturers and the wider HVAC+R industry, the certification programmes grew. With that growth also came expansion into new, but familiar territory, and in 2010 the Eurovent energy efficiency label was born. 

Big change was on the horizon in 2013 when the Eurovent Certification Company merged with Certita and became Eurovent Certita Certification. The move brought more than 40 certification programmes under the wing of Eurovent Certita Certification. 

2020s and beyond

As technology developed, Eurovent Certita Certification began to focus on digitalisation. In 2020 a new website was launched containing a product search engine called the certified product directory. The new website offered a range of functionalities that ensured certified data was available 24/7, and enable users to download /compare data. 

In 2022 new chapter began with the introduction of a new management board. A dynamic digital marketing service was introduced to support manufacturers in their business and raise awareness of the certified brands. New PIM & BIM services under ProdBIM were launched and made available to all certified manufacturers.

Today we are celebrating 30 years of product performance certification, in a dynamic and fast paced HVAC and refrigeration industry. For manufacturers, certification programmes offer a guarantee of product performance, enabling the specification of products that will perform as expected. For architects, consultants, specifiers, designers, installers and end users, Eurovent certification offers the most complete product database with more than 40 product families covering residential, commercial and industrial HVAC&R applications. 

Want to help us celebrate? Keep an eye out for our social media posts on LinkedIn, Facebook and X, or get in touch with the team.