Solar heating can make a significant contribution to meeting the EU's Kyoto targets for CO2-emission reduction. The results of the Soltherm Europe Initiative should form the basis for a growth of the Solar Thermal market towards 100 million m2 of collector area in 2010, the EU White paper target for solar thermal applications. This means that the solar thermal can reach an energy reduction of about 1.5% of the European energy consumption, which is a significant contribution (almost 20%) to the Kyoto goals.

Making policy with an interest in applying the principles of sustainable development can lead to successful introduction projects like the Solar Ordinance of Barcelona. Soltherm is an action network including energy agencies, municipalities and market players which provides a extensive database of knowledge on solar thermal applications in Europe. Soltherm Europe can therefore assist in formulating and realising policy, for example policy goals on renewables and CO2 emission reduction.

On this website a database of campaign\ marketing tools is available which is also interesting to policymakers. Check it here.