By: Luboš Michlík, European Pump Association (Europump) president
As the global push for improved energy efficiency and sustainability intensifies across manufacturing; commerce; transportation; housing; and public services, pumps remain the unsung heroes at the heart of these transformations. Today, Europump focuses on the critical yet often overlooked role that pumps play in shaping a more sustainable, energy-efficient world. From powering industrial processes and climate control in buildings, to enabling clean water and sanitation systems, pumps are essential in nearly every aspect of our daily lives.
The backbone of energy efficiency in manufacturing and industry
In the manufacturing sector, where energy efficiency is a growing imperative, pumps facilitate vital processes such as cooling, heating, fluid transport, and circulation, all while consuming a sizeable portion of industrial energy. Yet, innovations in pump technology are helping industries cut down energy usage, reduce operational costs, and minimise their carbon footprint.
Industrial pumps represent a key opportunity for energy savings, given that they account for up to 20% of global electricity consumption. By embracing more efficient pump systems, manufacturers can reduce energy consumption, making a major contribution to global sustainability efforts.
Building services: Supporting sustainable cities and infrastructure
In the built environment, pumps are integral to efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, water distribution, fire safety, and waste management. As smart cities and green buildings become the blueprint for future urban development, pumps are pivotal in enabling the technologies that make modern infrastructure energy-efficient and sustainable.
Smart, energy-efficient pump systems are not just improving performance in individual buildings but are also transforming how water, heating, and cooling are managed across cities. They are key enablers in the transition to sustainable urban living.
Transportation and public services — powering cleaner, greener mobility
Pumps are critical in electric vehicles (EVs) and public transit systems. They support battery cooling in EVs, enable more efficient fuel use in conventional transport, and ensure safe operation in air, rail, and marine travel. In public services such as water treatment and power generation, pumps keep essential services running.
From EVs to wastewater management, pumps are at the heart of ensuring that transportation and public services meet modern efficiency and environmental standards. Their role in enabling cleaner mobility and smarter services is vital to achieving Europe’s sustainability targets.
Driving innovation in renewable energy
Pumps are also key players in the renewable energy revolution. Whether it is through circulating fluids in geothermal systems, powering hydraulic mechanisms in wind turbines, or managing cooling in solar power plants, pumps are crucial to the smooth operation and efficiency of renewable energy technologies.
A hidden hero in every household
Beyond industry and public services, pumps impact our daily lives in more personal ways. Every time we turn on the tap for fresh water, adjust the thermostat, or rely on modern appliances, pumps are working behind the scenes to make these conveniences possible. In residential homes, pumps ensure the efficient delivery of water, heating, and cooling — keeping households comfortable, safe, and sustainable. They are indispensable to modern living.
Europump’s role
Through collaboration with industries, regulators, and other stakeholders, Europump is committed to driving the adoption of solutions that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
Ecopump is its flagship project, embodying the organisation’s energy reduction commitment. In 2004, the Europump council endorsed the Ecopump initiative as the cornerstone of EU pump sector’s energy and environmental policy.
Since 2016, these endeavours have resulted in the saving of 233 million MWh of electricity and a reduction of 163 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Additionally, the incorporation of the ‘Extended Product Approach’ into the upcoming revision of EU regulation 547/2012 for water pumps could unlock a further 35TWh in energy savings.
Pumps — often the unseen workhorses — should be recognised for their potential to deliver energy savings and environmental benefits. Together, we can ensure that pumps continue to be a driving force behind the green transition in every sector.
