District energy plays a vital role in cutting global greenhouse gas emissions. 

To help district heating and cooling make an even stronger contribution to the goals of the Paris Agreement, IEA DHC research projects share valuable insights on how the sector can achieve the biggest impact.

Since 2022, IEA DHC has gone a step further. 

The programme voluntarily committed to reducing the climate footprint of its operations. 

Every tonne of greenhouse gases generated through programme activities—such as international travel to Executive Committee meetings—is carefully calculated. 

For each amount, a donation is made to atmosfair, supporting projects that prevent an equivalent amount of emissions elsewhere.

atmosfair is a respected German non‑profit organization driving CO₂ reduction by promoting, developing, and financing renewable energy projects in over 20 countries worldwide.

IEA DHC is the first IEA Technology Collaboration Programme to adopt a climate-conscious approach to its own operations, demonstrating that meaningful action follows insight.