Vidzeme Planning Region, in cooperation with partners in the Green4HEAT project, has published guidelines developed by Riga Technical University to promote the use of waste heat in district heating and cooling systems.
The guidelines demonstrate how waste heat – energy that would otherwise remain unused – can be more effectively integrated into heating and cooling systems, reducing energy losses and improving overall efficiency.
The document brings together practical recommendations based on policy analysis and good practice examples, while also highlighting the main barriers that currently hinder wider implementation of such solutions. It draws on experiences from several countries, including Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Germany, and Latvia, showcasing different ways in which waste heat can be utilised in industry, data centres, the commercial sector, and wastewater treatment.
The guidelines emphasise the importance of cooperation between businesses, municipalities, and district heating companies, and highlight low-temperature district heating networks as a key solution for future development. They serve as practical support for policymakers, planners, and industry stakeholders, helping to move towards more efficient and sustainable heating systems.
