The new Eurovent report examines the role of mechanical ventilation in implementing the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) — in the context of both new and renovated residential buildings.
Fig. 1 — Key requirements of the revised EPBD for ventilation in buildings
What does the Eurovent report reveal?
The report “Ventilation systems in new and renovated residential buildings supporting the objectives of the revised EPBD” analyses the dual contribution of ventilation technologies — both to energy efficiency and to indoor air quality.
As buildings become more airtight as a result of renovation, natural ventilation is no longer sufficient. Mechanical ventilation is presented as an indispensable solution, enabling precise control of airflow and effective filtration of pollutants.
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Key conclusion: Insufficient ventilation has direct consequences for the health and well-being of occupants, while the resulting social and economic costs are significant. A well-designed ventilation system is not an expense — it is an investment in health and quality of life. |
The principle of heat recovery ventilation
Heat recovery systems (energy recovery ventilation systems) recover up to 90% of the thermal energy from extracted air while simultaneously supplying fresh, filtered air to indoor spaces. The following diagram illustrates the operating principle:
Fig. 2 — Operating principle of a heat recovery ventilation system (HRV)
Proven-effect technologies
The report highlights specific technologies that optimise energy consumption and reduce heat losses:
• Heat recovery ventilation (TANGRA EVB / TANGRA AHU) — recovers up to 88% of the thermal energy from extracted air
• Demand-controlled ventilation systems (DCV) — automatic airflow adjustment based on actual occupancy and indoor air quality
• Sensors and intelligent control systems — provide continuous monitoring and real-time optimisation
• Harmonised European standards — ensure comparability and quality of installations across the EU
Air quality — a structural component of building performance
One of the key messages of the report is that indoor air quality (IAQ) can no longer be considered a secondary factor. It is a structural component of the overall building performance and sustainability.
The integration of sensors, control systems and harmonised standards at European level consolidates the approach in which ventilation is an integral part of the building’s energy strategy — not an added feature, but a design solution incorporated from the very beginning.
The importance for Bulgaria and our practice
In the context of the transformation of the Bulgarian construction sector and the obligations arising from European legislation, properly designed and installed ventilation systems are of crucial importance. New construction and deep renovation of residential buildings require an integrated approach in which ventilation is planned alongside insulation, heating and cooling systems.
This is precisely where the experience and expertise of the TANGRA team play a key role — from the correct selection of the system, through its design, to installation and maintenance.
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Contact our specialists for a consultation on ventilation solutions that meet the requirements of the EPBD and European indoor air quality standards. |
Published based on: “Ventilation systems in new and renovated residential buildings in support of the recast EPBD goals”, Eurovent / BUILD UP, May 2026.
