Jan 26, 2026

At the table, not on the menu: new vision for the CPPC

In the world of HVAC-R, integrity is everything. As the newly elected Chairperson of Eurovent Certification’s Compliance Programme and Policy Commission (CPPC), Christianna Papazahariou isn't just overseeing rules - she’s safeguarding the industry’s reputation.

With a background spanning law, engineering, and business, the LG Electronics veteran is ready to lead the CPPC through a two-year tenure focused on evolution, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), and digital transformation. We sat down with her to discuss how she plans to keep certification rigorous, relevant, and ready for the future.

Safeguarding certification

Q: Before we begin, can you tell us what role the CPPC plays?

Christianna: The Compliance Programme and Policy Commission sits right at the heart of Eurovent Certification, playing a key role in protecting the credibility and integrity of Eurovent Certified Performance programmes. It helps steer certification in the right direction as the HVAC-R sector evolves, while ensuring standards remain robust, fair and impartial for everyone involved.

The triple-threat perspective

Q: Christianna, you have a unique professional profile. How does it shape your approach?

Christianna: I sit at the crossroads of compliance, engineering, and strategy. With 19 years in the HVAC industry - 15 of those at LG - I’ve bridged the gap between technical standards and business reality. My academic training in law and engineering, topped with an MBA, allows me to navigate the complexities of ESG and carbon reduction with a clear view of both the regulatory landscape and the product life cycle.

A legacy of leadership

Q: Why take on the CPPC now?

Christianna: It’s a 15-year love story. LG has always been a certification heavyweight; we helped pioneer VRF certification, growing from a few certified units to over 4000 today, representing 40+ industry players. Having chaired the Air Conditioners programme committee for four years, stepping into the CPPC felt like the natural next step.

My goal is simple: ensure Eurovent remains the gold standard for transparency and accountability.

The three-front war: challenges in certification

Q: What are the biggest hurdles to maintaining fairness today?

Christianna: I see three critical challenges we must tackle head-on:

1. The talent gap: As technology gets smarter, testing gets harder. We need to ensure that a lack of engineering expertise doesn’t lead to manufacturers accidentally falling out of compliance.
2. The regulatory maze: The burden of compliance is heavier than ever. Certification shouldn't just be a "check-box"; it should be a tool that helps manufacturers navigate European audits and regulations seamlessly.
3. 3. The free-riders: We need to get aggressive with "bad actors" - those companies operating on the fringes with unproven performance. We must incentivise the leaders and call out the laggards.

The vision: ESG and AI

Q: What are your top priorities for the next two years?

Christianna: We are moving beyond just "performance" to "purpose."

ESG Integration: Sustainability is no longer optional. I want to see Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria woven into our certification DNA.

Digital Dominance: I’m pushing for the total digitalisation of certified data. By using AI tools, we can transform our product directory into a high-octane engine for HVAC professionals, making it easier to compare, analyse, and choose the best products.

Breaking glass ceilings

Q: What does this election mean to you personally?

Christianna: A unanimous vote is a powerful mandate. It’s a win for my team at LG, but it’s also a sign of progress. As a woman, seeing Eurovent Association champion equality and leadership based on merit is incredibly rewarding.

The bottom line

Q: Any final thoughts?

Christianna: There’s an old saying: “If you’re not at the negotiation table, you’re on the menu.” In this industry, you have to be at the table to drive change. There is no other option.

Thank you for your time Christianna.

Want to know more about the role of the CPPC or product certification? Get in touch with the Eurovent Certification team at apply@eurovent-certification.com or visit www.eurovent-certification.com.