Lockdown may have recently ended, but a lot is happening under the covers, and innovators are coming up with great ideas to meet the Government’s net-zero goals. The Climate Change Committee’s ambition is to have 5.5 million heat pumps, recognise hydrogen and decarbonise heat. Here are a few tasters of exciting developments and thoughts.

There have been huge technical developments in cladding solutions in recent years and with architects demanding a more aesthetic approach to the building envelope, Heath Hindmarch Chairman of PSP Architectural, considers the balance that has to be struck in meeting design, energy efficiency and environmental expectations.

In 2017, the average UK household spent £102 per month on electricity and gas, accounting for nearly 5% of the UK’s average household budget. Nicolas Tye, Principal Architect at Nicolas Tye Architects, explores how following an ecological principle for a property’s design – particularly with regard to the strategic installation of glazing – can significantly improve a home’s energy efficiency, whilst simultaneously reducing its associated energy costs.

Commercial aluminium systems specialist AluK has demonstrated that collaboration is the key to success by working with a range of partners to deliver a comprehensive tender package for a striking and energy-efficient facade solution at a high-profile Berkeley Homes development.

The September deadline for the ErP Directive for Warm Air Heaters 2018 (Lot 21), is fast approaching. New legislation has changed the way that the seasonal efficiency of heating equipment is calculated. Danny Packham, European Product Manager – Warm Air and radiant, from Nortek Global HVAC, outlines the key points.

O2i Design’s expertise in sustainable construction and renewable energy helped to gain planning permission for, and develop, two bespoke eco homes, including solar thermal panels, PV cells and ground source heat pumps, enabling running costs to be kept to a minimum.

AET Flexible Space, leading provider of underfloor air conditioning is currently delivering equipment to 33 Glasshouse Street, London after receiving the order from Emico early this year. The building features a Grade II Listed façade and is located in a prominent position looking over Regent Street and the Soho area of the West End.

Wasted energy and the thermal efficiency of our buildings have become important topics. Our buildings account for more than 40% of all carbon emissions, and the need to create solutions to reduce our ‘footprints’ has become a major concern.

Passive House principles have been adopted and proven across Europe and are increasingly being employed in the UK to deliver buildings that are energy efficient, comfortable and affordable at the same time.

Managing Director of NAPIT Certification, David Cowburn, discusses the recent consultation on the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and how this could affect those living in fuel poverty in the future.