Twenty years of “QM Heizwerke” shows that continuous quality assessment can transform an entire industry. In early 2005 Austrian regulation bodies detected shortcomings in the planning and operation phase of biomass heating plants and as a reaction a comprehensive quality management system has been developed that now is setting the standard for efficient district heating and cooling networks, not only in Austria, but increasingly also internationally.

The quality framework developed was anchored in the Austrian klimaaktiv program and closely linked to the national funding landscape: this step was decisive – quality was not only recommended but was made mandatory. Today, the federal government, states, operators, and municipalities alike benefit from highly energy efficient and cost-effective (district heating) systems.

“QM Heizwerke” has consistently made the transition from a biomass focused quality assessment tool to a comprehensive tool that deals with innovative grid-bound heat supply. The range of topics of the now called “klimaaktiv Heizwerke und Wärmenetze (heating plants and district heating networks)” assessment framework includes quality assessment of municipal heat planning as well as low-temperature networks and the assessment of overall heat supply systems.

The current issue of “nachhaltige technologien” takes a look at the possibilities “QM Heizwerke und Wärmenetze” offers and explores the transformation of district heating networks with regards to the innovative integration of renewable energy sources as well as energy efficiency showcasing national and international projects.