Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Whole-Building Heat Pump Installation: Key Benefits Explained
Hello, Champions of Net Zero!
The journey towards decarbonising our built environment is not just a task; it’s a critical responsibility we share in the fight against the climate crisis. At Salix, we are fortunate to partner with governments throughout the UK, spearheading energy efficiency initiatives and guiding the ambitious net zero targets that lie ahead.
The UK has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, but Scotland has set an even more ambitious goal, aiming for net zero by 2045—five years ahead of the national target. This bold commitment underscores Scotland’s recognition of the urgent need for action, particularly in the buildings sector, which accounts for nearly 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions. Clearly, reducing emissions must be a priority for every building energy manager and stakeholder involved in this transition.
Despite the strides we’ve made thus far, our work is far from complete.
At Salix, we take immense pride in delivering groundbreaking net zero projects across Scotland. Over the years, we have collaborated with the Scottish Government to implement a series of energy efficiency schemes, such as the Recycling Fund, Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund, the Scottish Public Sector Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme, and various initiatives through the Scottish Funding Council.
Our commitment to aiding organisations in evaluating their buildings as part of climate change strategies is unwavering.
A vital aspect of government policy, particularly through building regulations, is the conservation of fuel and power. Recent updates to building regulations, such as those introduced in February 2023, have placed significant emphasis on adopting a whole-building approach. This strategy aims to reduce energy demand before we even consider decarbonising energy sources.
Standards dictate that specific elements of a building’s fabric must meet certain criteria during renovations, including minimum U-values and essential insulation improvements. Taking a whole-building approach means looking beyond isolated components, like heat pumps, to focus on critical factors such as insulation, air tightness, ventilation, and the overall thermal performance of windows, walls, and roofs.
In many instances, the interventions we propose are not only effective but also remarkably cost-efficient.
As part of my role at Salix, I am extensively involved in the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme—a highly regarded funding programme for England that we have been delivering on behalf of the government since its inception in 2020. Through our webinars and guidance sessions, we consistently highlight the importance of a whole-building approach as an essential strategy.
This topic is one we discuss frequently across various sectors.
For those among our readership who may already recognise the value of a whole-building approach, particularly in the context of installing heat pumps to enable lower flow temperatures, I would argue that implementing net zero strategies within the building sector through this comprehensive lens is both more agile and more reliable in achieving emissions reductions.
A whole-building approach can also help mitigate what is known as the ‘rebound effect’. This phenomenon refers to the tendency for the anticipated gains from efficiency improvements to fall short of expectations. Often, this occurs because the cost savings associated with new technologies or enhanced efficiency lead to increased usage, which in turn diminishes some of the projected reductions in consumption.
For instance, consider an office aiming to conserve energy by lowering the internal set-point temperature of its heating system. The installation of a new heat pump might lead occupants to slightly raise the set-point temperature, seeking a more comfortable environment, and in doing so, their concerns about the ecological impact may lessen due to the heat pump’s environmentally-friendly credentials. However, if the office replaces its draughty single-glazed windows with efficient double-glazed units, the overall energy demand would decrease, effectively offsetting any increased carbon emissions linked to the higher set-point temperature.
Looking at the bigger picture, a whole-building approach can also mitigate delays in grid decarbonisation. While heat pumps themselves produce no direct emissions, the electricity they consume may still carry associated carbon emissions.
According to the Treasury’s Green Book, the carbon factor for the UK grid is projected to be approximately 0.15kgCO2e/kWh in 2024, with expectations of it decreasing to around 0.05kgCO2e/kWh by 2030. This anticipated decline necessitates a rapid increase in renewable energy generation capacity over the next five years. Although the UK has made swift progress in decarbonising its grid, challenges remain, particularly concerning planning permissions for large renewable installations and securing grid connections. While organisations can opt for renewable-only tariffs to account for their Scope 2 carbon emissions, reducing energy demand remains a guaranteed method for cutting emissions at the source, thereby alleviating any potential slowdowns in the grid’s decarbonisation efforts. Buildings that install cavity wall insulation to decrease their overall heat demand, alongside a new heat pump, will ultimately save more carbon—and do so more swiftly—than buildings that install only heat pumps.
For those who have upgraded their buildings’ equipment to significantly boost electricity consumption, you may have encountered the challenge of upgrading your site’s electricity supply. Our experiences at Salix, particularly within the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, have revealed that delays in electrical connection upgrades can unexpectedly hinder building decarbonisation projects.
Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) often face extensive backlogs of connection upgrade requests as building occupants strive to decarbonise their facilities. The installation of a heat pump can easily double a building’s peak load power requirements. It is not uncommon for capacity upgrades to take upwards of two years from the initial inquiry to the point of connection.
By adopting a whole-building approach, we can often reduce the overall size of the heat pumps required. This, in turn, increases the amount of heat pump capacity that can be installed without necessitating an electricity supply upgrade. While it may not entirely eliminate the wait, it can certainly reduce the likelihood of having to join the queue in the first place.
Implementing a whole-building approach to reduce energy demand prior to the installation of a heat pump presents clear cost advantages and is encouraged by government guidance. Beyond these financial benefits, it also brings significant carbon reduction advantages, including mitigating the rebound effect, alleviating potential slowdowns in grid decarbonisation, and decreasing reliance on Distribution Network Operators for electricity upgrades to achieve decarbonisation.
As the saying goes, “change starts at home.”
In conclusion, the path to net zero in the buildings sector is not just about installing the latest technology; it’s about understanding the holistic picture and addressing every aspect of energy efficiency. By fostering a culture of comprehensive improvements, we can maximise our impact on emissions reduction, create cost savings, and pave the way for a sustainable future for all.
Let us continue to champion these essential practices, share knowledge, and collaborate in our efforts to achieve our net zero goals. Together, we can make a significant difference for our planet and future generations.
Sources:
- Technical Handbook – Domestic
- Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2024 – GOV.UK
- www.salixfinance.co.uk
This article originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. For more insightful articles and updates, consider subscribing!
This revised article is structured to engage the audience of the Net Zero News Network while presenting the information in a reader-friendly manner, adhering to UK British English standards. The use of
tags and an ordered list enhances the readability and flow of the content.
