What are the best methods for building decarbonisation in the UK?

The UK government has a net zero goal in place for 2050, which requires greenhouse emissions to be reduced to as close to zero as possible.  Following the introduction of the latest Part L regulations, Darren Townend, Commercial Product Manager for Hamworthy Heating discusses the best way to decarbonise heating in new commercial buildings.

To help support the transition towards the ‘Heat and Buildings Strategy’, which is fundamental to the Net Zero goal, the uplift of Building Regulation ’Conservation of fuel and power: Approved Part L is the legislative method adopted to ensure new buildings will be fitted with low-carbon heating.

Under the new framework, decarbonising heating, which is largely being driven by government funding and the latest regulations, is key to cutting emissions across commercial buildings.  For instance, if we look past the building fabric, which we assume is in place, and focus solely on the heating system, the latest regulations state that a heating system must be designed to work at 55º flow.  This enables a system to work with a heat pump, or at least be heat pump ready.

If a new boiler is still used then the low return temperature will allow the boiler to condense, which as the name of a condensing boiler suggests, will allow it to operate in its most efficient state as intended. Both options can play a significant role in helping to achieve the Net Zero goal.

The good news here is that by simply complying with the latest Building Regulations Part L, you’re already on the right track to building efficiency.

Furthermore, by utilizing government funding, you’re committed to complying with the building efficiency regulations set out.  Here, only projects utilizing low carbon heating (heat pumps) are eligible for funding, as announced with the Heat and Building Strategy.

Looking beyond the technology, we also need to look at the bigger picture.  Given the current requirements to limit energy consumption, good heating system design is an essential requirement to ensure that systems operate both efficiently and safely and make effective use of energy. For more guidance, CIBSE AM17 is an important reference to support the design and application process.

For more information on the Tyneham monobloc air source heat pumps, click here.