The emission mission – why heating is key to meeting energy targets

Prime Minister Theresa May has announced her pledge to halve energy usage from new buildings by 2030. She said improving energy efficiency was the first “mission” to meeting the clean growth “grand challenge”, one of the four outlined in the industrial strategy which was published last year. Phil Mangnall, managing director at Jaga, explains more.

When it comes to reducing emissions in UK homes the building industry plays an important part; in both new buildings and renovation projects. Therefore, it’s crucial for developers to consider energy efficient heating products when refurbishing both commercial and public sector buildings, and building new ones.

Energy-efficient solutions which consider the total lifetime costs rather than the initial pay out make financial sense over the lifetime of the building. Investing in these solutions makes financial and environmental sense as well as making buildings such as schools and care homes warmer, healthier and more comfortable places to occupy.

Heating represents a hugely significant chunk of UK energy consumption, making up more than 70 per cent of all energy consumption in commercial buildings. So while it can be tempting to simply upgrade the boiler system to a more efficient one and leave it at that, it’s vital to consider the heating system as a whole and carefully select complementary products which will enhance its potential benefits.

One such solution is low water content radiators. Low-H₂O radiators use 90 per cent less water than steel panel radiators. With less water being used, Low-H₂O radiators can respond quicker, consequently consuming less energy. Less demand is placed on the boiler system, meaning building managers will get more heat for their money over its lifetime. Fan assisted technologies such as DBE (Dynamic Boost Effect) increase the output of these radiators, making them the perfect partner for lower water temperature systems such as heats pumps.

Addressing energy efficiency in both new and existing buildings is key to meeting Clean Growth targets, that said, it requires a firm long-term commitment and leadership from Government in order for it to be achieved.

The Government must introduce robust legislation which promotes the installation of energy-efficient technologies for the public building sector. In doing so, it will enable people to live and work in warmer, greener and cheaper to run spaces.

For more information visit the Jaga website.