Mr Richmond said this had been demonstrated by the recent publication of the Committee on Climate Change’s report into the UK’s net zero progress.
The report into what still needs to be done for the UK to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 – a pledge signed into law last year – highlights how gas boilers remain a key obstacle for reducing emissions.
He said: “The passage of the UK’s net zero commitment into law transformed the landscape in many industries, including construction. Lower carbon emissions are now vital concerns for any project, and governs key specification decisions. Additional legislation such as the Future Home Standard 2025 are a step towards this goal, but as the CCC’s report shows, there is more work to be done – especially with the current uncertainty about the future renewable heat policy landscape.”
With the report urgently advocating the uptake of more eco-friendly heating technology, Mr Richmond is advising specifiers and developers to look into low-carbon solutions. “If we are to stay on track with our goal of decarbonising the economy, the construction sector must take action now, in line with the CCC report’s recommendations. It is therefore crucial that developers and specifiers evaluate the merits of more sustainable heating technologies. By doing so, they can futureproof both residential and commercial developments for years to come.”
Examples of more sustainable technologies include heat pumps, which produce heating and hot water from the sources such as water, air, or the ground.
Fourth generation district heating systems linked to low-carbon sources can also help reduce carbon emissions. Because water flows through the system at a lower, 40-60°C flow temperature, it is ideally suited to waste heat or centralised water, air or ground source heat pumps, resulting in much lower emissions.
Mr Richmond concludes: “Developers need to consider both district heating and heat pumps if they are to decarbonise at the pace outlined in the CCC’s report and produce buildings fit for the future. The release of the Construction Leadership Council’s post-pandemic ‘Roadmap to Recovery’ earlier this month, which placed net zero at the heart of any industry recovery and reinvention plan, further prioritises this course of action.
“Whether used on an individual, house-by-house basis, or as the central source for a district heating system heating a number of buildings, heat pumps and district heating represent viable options for reducing emissions in line with net zero targets as the construction sector recovers from COVID-19 disruption.”