María del Mar Serna (ASHRAE): Managing the speed of change the big challenge for the sector in 2026

Could we say that 2025 was a pivotal year for the heating, cooling and air conditioning sector?

In my view, 2025 was a very significant year for the sector. Not only because of the growth we have seen, but also because we have consolidated the sense that our work as an association is really relevant to society. Today we talk about air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration not only in terms of comfort, but also in terms of health, sustainability and efficiency. I see a very committed sector, with professionals making great efforts to adapt to a demanding regulatory environment and very rapid technological change. Electrification, heat pumps and digitalisation are no longer just new trends; they are an everyday reality in many projects.

It is true that we still face important challenges, such as the lack of qualified profiles or the need for continuous training, but this also shows that we are a dynamic sector, with a future and with real opportunities to attract young talent. As president of the Spain Chapter of ASHRAE in 2025, I have a distinctly positive feeling and, above all, a sense of responsibility for what is to come.

How will the sector develop in 2026?

I think the big challenge for the industry in 2026 will be to manage the speed of change well. Regulatory pressure, decarbonisation targets and technological developments are moving very fast, and it's not always easy for companies and professionals to adapt at the same pace. One of the most important challenges will be talent: we need more qualified and, above all, better trained professionals. Continuous training will be key to ensuring the solutions designed and installed really meet the objectives of efficiency, safety and indoor air quality.

Another key challenge will be to turn regulation into value. The sector will have to demonstrate that compliance is not just an obligation, but an opportunity to improve buildings, reduce consumption and provide healthier spaces. 

What areas should the sector focus on in order to make good progress?

Several key issues remain to be addressed. In training, the big challenge is not only to offer more courses, but to ensure that training is continuous, practical and aligned with the reality of the projects. Technology evolves very fast and we need professionals capable of understanding the why of solutions, not just applying them. The sector needs well-defined profiles, recognition of skills and to attract young talent, especially in a context where generational change is becoming critical.

In sustainability, the challenge is to move definitively from discourse to measurement. We need to work more with real data, monitoring and clear indicators to demonstrate the impact of solutions in terms of energy efficiency, emission reductions and indoor environmental quality.

What do you think of the regulations?

More than new regulations, the sector needs stable, clear legislative frameworks based on technical criteria, allowing us to work on a basis of rigorous planning and a long-term outlook. Sometimes we face regulations that advance quickly, but not always in a coordinated manner, which generates insecurity and difficulty in terms of their real application in projects.

I also consider all aspects of operation and maintenance of buildings to be key. Legislation has put a lot of focus on design and construction, but there is still some way to go to ensure that buildings perform as designed throughout their lifetime. Here, monitoring, inspection and energy management will play an increasingly important role.

Another important aspect is the recognition of the role of indoor environmental quality from a regulatory standpoint. Recent experience has shown that ventilation, air quality and comfort are not secondary issues and should be more clearly and consistently integrated into regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, it is essential to advance in policies that facilitate energy retrofitting, simplifying procedures and supporting professionals and end users. The existing building stock is where much of the energy transition is really going to play out.

How important is public-private collaboration for the development of the industry? 

The sector is becoming increasingly complex and no single stakeholder can move forward alone. Authorities, companies, engineers, installers, manufacturers and associations must work in a more coordinated manner if we want the energy transition and the improvement of buildings to be really effective. In an environment with so much information around, sometimes even contradictory information, it is essential to rely on proven knowledge and solid technical criteria. This is where the role of technical associations is particularly important.

We must not lose sight of the fact that the ultimate goal is to improve people's quality of life and create healthier, more efficient and comfortable spaces. This approach, in my view, should continue to guide the sector in the coming years.