explore our market researches

European Sustainability Report 2024

European Sustainability Report 2024

Market reports

See all
usp

News I published 15 April 2022

Who wants sustainability?

In a previous article we saw that in Europe, sustainability is taken into account in 44% of HVAC installation projects on average, regardless whether it concerns projects in the residential or non-residential sector. Looking at specific countries, that share varies between a third and well over half of the installation projects, according to installers from the seven countries we investigated.

This shows that sustainability is an important topic and influential trend, but it does not show what drives that trend in the every-day life of the installer. To know that, we have to ask who wants sustainability? Who actually asks for or demands that more sustainable solutions are used? The answers to these questions can be cornerstones for the business strategies of manufacturers and brands of installation products.

Knowing where demand derives from shows how manufacturers can help installers by providing the right certification, information or marketing materials to help the installers sell and install their products, thereby improving brand image and even market share. That is why, for the Q4 2021 report of USP Marketing Consultancy’s European Mechanical Installation Monitor, we asked 700 HVAC installers from six major European markets which of their clients actually ask for sustainable solutions.

Many clients ask for sustainable solutions

European installers report that on average, 83% of the end consumers they work for ask for sustainable solutions. Of their business clients, for instance, contractors, architects or commercial building owners, 79% ask for sustainable solutions on average. With around four out of five clients asking for sustainable solutions, there seems to be little difference between business clients and end consumers on a total level.

Looking at specific countries, differences do appear. Demand from business clients seems to be higher than demand from end consumers in Belgium, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom, for instance. In Poland, and especially Germany and France, that is the other way around.

But they are not always willing to pay for them

When combining the above graph with the shares of installation projects in which sustainability is taken into account, an interesting question arises. If 83% of the end consumers and 79% of business clients ask for sustainable solutions, how can it be that sustainability is taken into account and sustainable solutions are used in only 44% of installation projects on average?

An answer is found in the fact that sustainable solutions may cost more than less sustainable solutions. Even though around four out of five clients ask for sustainable solutions, less than half of all clients is willing to pay extra for sustainability. Interestingly, just like the demand for sustainability did not differ much between end consumer clients and business clients, their willingness to pay is similar as well. That means that end consumers and business clients are equally driving the use of sustainable solutions in the daily life of the average HVAC installer.

Zooming in on specific countries, significant differences in both demand and willingness to pay for sustainable solutions and installations do appear. For that level of detail and a deeper understanding of how these differences can make or break marketing and sales strategies of manufacturers operating in specific areas, we refer you to the Q4 2021 report of USP Marketing Consultancy’s European Mechanical Installation Monitor.

Fresh Insights Await

Our relevant reports

Delve into the newest findings across various market segments, crafted for a cutting-edge overview. Explore our insightful reports, brimming with up-to-date data, trend analyses, and in-depth examinations, all tailored to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the current market dynamics.

Construction

Home Improvement

Installation

Special reports

Construction

Decision making process Q3 2024

2024 87 pages

Unveil the decision-making processes in the construction industry through the lens of European architects. Discover the factors that influence crucial decisions and the interplay among different stakeholders.

Construction

Prefab H1 2024

2024 63 pages

Discover the adoption rate and benefits of prefabrication technology among European contractors in H1 2024. Understand the driving forces behind prefab usage and its impact on project efficiency and cost-saving.

Construction

Sustainability 2024

2024 72 pages

Painter Insight Monitor 2024 will focus on understanding the specific needs, preferences, and challenges faced by painters when it comes to sustainable products.

Construction

Importance of branding & branding funnels 2024

2024 62 pages

This report offers a comprehensive overview of importance of branding and branding funnels with a specific focus on European handymen. Brand behaviour is covered for each country, showing purchasing power, differences regarding quality, sustainability, online shopping, innovation-habit and private labels,

Construction

Future of construction Q2 2024

2024 82 pages

Explore the evolving future in construction sector among European architects in Q2 2024. Delve into the factors driving material preferences and the impact on construction aesthetics and sustainability.

Construction

Trends in material usage Q1 2024

2024 102 pages

Explore the evolving trends in material usage among European architects in Q1 2024. Delve into the factors driving material preferences and the impact on construction aesthetics and sustainability.

Home Improvement

European Garden Monitor

2023 43 pages

Explore the European Garden Monitor, a comprehensive platform dedicated to garden health monitoring in Europe. Access valuable resources and expert advice today.

Home Improvement

Purchase channels Q2 2024

2024 90 pages

The European Home Improvement Monitor offers valuable insights on purchase channels in the European home improvement industry, examining the evolving preferences and behaviors of consumers across traditional retail and emerging online platforms.

Home Improvement

Sustainability Q1 2024

2024 81 pages

Delve into sustainability trends in the home improvement sector in Q1 2024. Discover consumer preferences and the shift towards eco-friendly home improvement solutions.

Home Improvement

DIY versus DIFM Q4 2021

2024 113 pages

This report is a must-have if you’re in the home improvement industry. It provides a wealth of information on the behaviour of DIY and DIFM consumers, their motivations, and the factors that influence their purchasing decisions.

Home Improvement

DIY or DIFM Q4 2023

2024 70

Explore the prevailing trends between DIY and DIFM in Q4 2023. Understand consumer preferences and the factors influencing their choice between DIY and DIFM.

Home Improvement

Branding Q3 2023

2023 93 pages

This report offers an extensive overview of the home improvement industry, with a focus on branding and the most popular brands within different categories. Within this report, you will gain insights into how customers perceive home improvement brands and what motivates them to buy certain products.

Installation

Branding Q3 2024

2024 74 pages

Discover the power of branding in the home improvement sector. Explore how strong branding influences consumer preferences and purchase decisions.

Installation

Prefab Q3 2024

2024 119 pages

This report offers a comprehensive view of the installers’ involvement and needs regarding prefabricated electrical installations.

Installation

Smart & Connected Products Q2 2024

2024 120 pages

This report provides a comprehensive view of the attitudes of installers toward smart building solutions, specifically among electrical installers and their clients. In the report, you will find insights into the installers' experiences with installing smart products and the willingness of end users to invest in such solutions, as well as their motivations and pain points.

Installation

Smart and connected products Q2 2024

2024 129

This report provides a comprehensive view of the attitudes of installers toward smart building solutions, specifically among HVAC installers, plumbers and their clients. In the report, you will find insights into the installers' experiences with installing smart products and the willingness of end users to invest in such solutions, as well as their motivations and pain points.

Installation

BIM Q1 2024

2024 84 pages

The European Mechanical Installation Monitor report provides a detailed analysis of the plumbing and HVAC industry. This report specifically focuses on BIM adaptation in the industry.

Installation

Sustainability Q1 2024

2024 99 pages

The European Electrical Installation Monitor report provides a detailed analysis of the sustainable solutions in the installation industry. This report specifically focuses on sustainability aspects in the industry.

Special reports

European Sustainability Report 2024

2024 51 pages

This report provides in-depth insights based on triangulation of key market information and data as well as data from USP Marketing Consultancy’s key monitors that are carried out year in, year out. The focus of this report is on the most important stakeholders within the construction industry, namely architects, contractors, electrical and HVAC installers within The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, France, Italy, and Spain.