Hansgrohe Group CEO Hans Jürgen Kalmbach Makes the Case for Innovative Efficiency Technologies for Hot Water Use in Buildings

At Renovate Europe Day 2025 last Monday, industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts gathered in Copenhagen to discuss the future of energy-efficient renovation. The Hansgrohe Group was represented by CEO Hans Jürgen Kalmbach, Fiona Félix, Head of Public Affairs, and Thomas Leth, Director Sales North and East Europe. They promoted advanced technologies for efficient hot water use in buildings — an often underestimated lever for greater energy efficiency and climate protection.

REDay is an annual conference organized by the Renovate Europe Campaign (REC) and SYNERGI that brings together leading representatives from industry, politics, and research. In addition to high-level discussions, the program also includes visits to exemplary renovation projects—with the aim of accelerating building renovation in Europe and setting new standards together. This year, EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen and industry leaders, including representatives from Rockwool, VELUX, Knauf Insulation, Grundfos, and the Hansgrohe Group, exchanged ideas on ways to decarbonize the building sector. Together, they developed the Copenhagen Commitment, a voluntary commitment to the EU Commission for Energy and Housing.

Hans Jürgen Kalmbach clearly expressed the Hansgrohe Group’s position: "Hansgrohe has a strong European presence and a proven track record of innovation. We expect the EU and politicians to leverage our strengths—through a harmonized single market, fewer documentation and certification requirements, and greater trust in responsible corporate decisions. Stable political and regulatory conditions are crucial for promoting investment, accelerating renovations and new construction, and strengthening the competitiveness of our companies and the purchasing power of consumers"

Water is a Key Lever to Improve Energy Efficiency of Buildings

Hot water production accounts for around 15 percent of energy consumption in buildings – a factor that is often underestimated1. The more economical fittings and showers are with water, the lower the energy requirements and CO₂ emissions. Water-saving technologies offer a cost-effective way to significantly reduce the ecological footprint of buildings. A recent study commissioned by the German Energy Agency (dena) has shown that modern water-saving technologies can reduce household energy consumption by up to 6 percent2. Fiona Félix explains: "Efficient faucets and showers should be the standard choice for every renovation or new build. That’s why we are investing heavily in converting our entire portfolio to water- and energy-saving models by 2030, from product development to marketing. If these technologies are incorporated into the energy balance of buildings, energy performance certificates, and consulting services in the future, this will create important incentives for the market. We are counting on politicians to set the right course here" “We are proud to stand behind the Copenhagen Commitment together with 70 industries and organizations. This initiative was launched on REDay 2025 to promote building renovation and decarbonization in Europe,” said Hans Jürgen Kalmbach. “Together, we are committed to investing in energy-efficient manufacturing and training, improving building renovation, and working across sectors to promote affordable, energy-efficient buildings.”

About the Hansgrohe Group – Setting the Beat of Water. Since 1901.

With its brands AXOR and hansgrohe, the Hansgrohe Group, based in Schiltach/Southern Germany, enjoys a reputation as a leader in innovation, design and quality within the bath and kitchen industry. Founded in 1901 in the Black Forest, the company gives water form and function with its faucets, showerheads and shower systems. In combination with sanitary ceramics and bathroom furniture, the company offers individual design options from a single source for holistic bathroom experiences. The 124-year history of the company is marked by innovations, such as the first hand-held shower with multiple spray types, the first pull-out kitchen faucet, and the first wall bar to hold a hand-held shower.The company holds more than 23,000 active property rights. The Hansgrohe Group stands for long-lasting quality products and for responsibility towards people and the environment. Sustainable production of resource-conserving products is central to the company’s business activities around the globe. By developing innovative technologies for faucets and showers, Hansgrohe achieves the greatest possible effect on protecting water as a resource and limiting and adapting to climate change during the usage phase of its products. As part of its consistent sustainability strategy, Hansgrohe is equipping all water-bearing products exclusively with water-saving technologies by 2030 within its "ECO 2030" initiative. With 35 subsidiaries and 22 sales offices supplying products in more than 145 countries, the globally active company in the sanitary industry is a reliable partner to its customers in all regions of the world. The Hansgrohe Group, its brands and products have won numerous awards, including more than 800 design prizes since 1974. The products of the Hansgrohe Group are found around the world: on renowned cruise ships, in luxurious 5-star and boutique hotels, in international metropolitan cities, in extraordinary spas, exclusive bathrooms of lodges and luxury villas, public facilities, as well as in countless private homes. The Hansgrohe Group’s high quality standards are ensured by eight wholly-owned production facilities: four in Germany, one each in France, in Serbia, the United States and China. In 2024, the Hansgrohe Group generated a turnover of EUR 1.387 billion. It employs around 5,600 people worldwide, about 60 percent of whom work in Germany.