Submetering can make a big difference to the EU’s Green Deal
Following his participation in a high-level stakeholder dialogue at the European Commission, Brunata CEO Kristian Voldby Olsen reflects on how companies like Brunata and the submetering industry can help turn EU climate ambitions into measurable impact.
Last week, Kristian travelled to Brussels to take part in a High-Level Stakeholder Dialogue on Energy Efficiency hosted by EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen. As a board member of EVVE — the European Association for the Consumption-based Billing of Energy Costs — Kristian was invited to help represent the submetering industry’s voice in support of Europe’s climate goals.
The meeting gathered key voices from across Europe — industry leaders, associations, NGOs, and policymakers — to explore how we can accelerate the green transition and meet the EU’s ambitious climate targets.
We caught up with Kristian after the meeting to hear his reflections and his perspective on the vital role the submetering business can play in creating smarter, more efficient buildings across the continent.
See also: Smart heat management delivers significant savings on heating bills
A room full of ambition—and action
“It was inspiring to be part of a conversation that focused not just on policy, but on what is actually working,” Kristian begins. “We were not there to talk theory — we were there to explore real-world solutions.”
“Everyone agrees that we need to reduce emissions and improve energy security. But energy efficiency — although central to the solution — is often overlooked when we talk about the green transition. Fortunately, that is starting to change. A new binding EU-level target has been set to improve energy efficiency by 11.7% by 2030. And buildings will play a key role in achieving it.”
Are buildings our biggest opportunity for energy savings?
The built environment is responsible for around 40% of energy use in the EU and over a third of its carbon emissions. That makes them a critical focus in the EU’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 — known as the Fit for 55 package — and long-term Green Deal ambitions.
“The truth is that a huge share of our energy is used for heating—and a lot of that is wasted,” Kristian says. “If we can make that energy use visible, so it can be reduced. And this is where out industry and companies like Brunata can make a huge impact.”
Through submetering and consumption-based billing, residents, property managers, and building owners gain a clear view of their energy use — and the ability to act on it. Research shows this transparency leads to energy savings of 10–15% on average, with even more when regular feedback is introduced.
“It is a classic case of low-hanging fruit,” Kristian explains. “We already have the technology, we already know it works. Our industry is already inside buildings and apartments all over Europe — with meters and networks that are up and running. Now it is about implementation and scale.”
Speaking with MEP Niels Fuglsang
At the meeting at the Commission, Kristian had the opportunity to share his views with MEP Niels Fuglsang of the Danish Social Democrats. He leads negotiations on the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive.
“It was truly great to have the attention of a leading voice in the EU,” says Kristian. “Fuglsang seemed genuinely interested in the potential of what the submetering industry can offer. I explained that we already have the technology and are present in homes and buildings across Europe.”
“We have already come a long way, but the real breakthrough happens when we combine consumption data with intelligent heat control. That is when we can take a big leap in efficiency — cutting energy use in ways that are both measurable and meaningful.”
“You cannot optimise what you cannot see. Measurement is the first step to change,” Kristian adds.
Looking ahead
The EU has committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and becoming climate neutral by 2050. The ambition to improve energy efficiency by 11.7%. is a target that Kristian believes is entirely achievable with the right tools and partnerships.
“Our industry is ready,” he says. “We are already present in homes and buildings across the continent. We have the networks, the devices, the data. What we need now is support for full-scale rollout and recognition of the value we bring.”
“We are in a hurry to become independent of fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions. But what I saw in Brussels gave me hope. There seems to be real momentum behind action — and it is clear the submetering industry has a crucial role to play.”