The benefits of a ‘whole-building’ approach to installing heat pumps

Jordan Noffke, energy and carbon analyst, Salix

Decarbonising the buildings sector is a key task in our responsibility for tackling the climate crisis. At Salix, we’re privileged to work alongside governments across the UK to deliver energy efficiency schemes and help navigate the ambitious net zero targets.

Whilst the UK overall has committed to reach net zero by 2050, Scotland has set its headline task of reaching net zero by 2045 – a full five years ahead of the wider UK target of 2050.

And as the Scottish Government notes [1], the buildings sector contributes up to 40 per cent of all the UK’s carbon emissions. It is clear that emissions reduction should be high on the priority list for every building energy manager.

Although a lot has already been achieved, there is a long way to go.

Our teams are proud to work on delivering inspiring net zero projects in Scotland. We’ve supported Scottish Government to deliver a number of energy efficiency schemes over the years. These have included, the Recycling Fund, Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund, The Scottish Public Sector Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme and Scottish Funding Council schemes.

We are committed to supporting organisations to consider their buildings when addressing climate change issues.

As a key part of government policy via building regulations is the conservation of fuel and power. In recent years (for example, the February 2023 Energy Standards in Scotland[1]), updates to these building regulations have further emphasised the importance of a whole-building approach to reduce energy demand before energy sources are decarbonised.

Standards are set that certain elements of the building fabric must meet when they are renovated, including by specifying minimum U-values and basic insulation improvement measures to take. In the context of decarbonising a building’s energy use, a whole-building approach looks beyond the single component of the heat pump, instead prioritising factors such as insulation, air tightness, ventilation, and the thermal performance of windows, walls, and roofs.

In many cases, interventions here can be incredibly cost-efficient.

As part of my work at Salix, I am heavily involved in the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. This is a highly popular funding programme for England which we’ve been delivering on behalf of government since 2020. Our webinars and guidance strongly emphasise the importance, indeed, necessity, of a whole-building approach.

It’s something we talk about all the time across the sectors.

Whilst I’m sure many of our readers will be aware of the importance of a whole-building approach to installing heat pumps, for example, to enable lower flow temperatures, and of course our regulatory responsibilities, I would argue that implementing net zero in the buildings sector via a whole-building approach is both more nimble and more reliable at reducing emissions.

A whole-building approach can help mitigate the ‘rebound effect’. The rebound effect is a known behavioural phenomenon that is often associated with efforts to improve sustainability. It refers to a tendency for gains from improvements in efficiency to be lower than expected. The most often cited reason for this is that the cost reductions brought by a technological improvement or efficiency improvement are negated by usage increases that take advantage of this cost decrease, thereby negating some of the consumption reductions.

In the case of an office that might attempt to save energy by reducing the internal set-point temperature of its heating system, a new heat pump might encourage its occupants to raise the set-point temperature slightly to a more comfortable level, their guilt about any planetary impact assuaged by the heat pump’s climate-friendly credentials. A whole-building approach that replaced the office’s leaky single-glazed windows with new double-glazed units would reduce the total energy demand of the building and help offset any carbon emissions increased associated with a higher set-point temperature.

Taking a country-wide view, a whole-building approach helps mitigate any delays to grid decarbonisation. While heat pumps produce no direct emissions, there may still be emissions associated with the electricity they consume.

As noted by the Treasury’s Green Book, the carbon factor for the UK’s grid in 2024 is about 0.15kgCO2e/kWh [2], which is expected to decrease to 0.05kgCO2e/kWh by 2030. This is a significant fall that requires a very rapid addition of renewable generation capacity over the next five years. The UK has decarbonised its grid very rapidly recently, but there are still bottlenecks, particularly around planning permission for large renewables installations, and for grid connections. While renewable-only tariffs are an option for an organisation counting its Scope 2 carbon emissions, reducing energy demand is a sure way to reduce emissions at source and mitigate any slow-down in the grid’s decarbonisation. A building that installs cavity wall insulation to reduce its overall heat demand alongside a new heat pump will end up saving more carbon – and faster – than a building that installs only a heat pump.

Those of you who have installed equipment that has radically increased the electricity consumption of their buildings will likely have encountered the issue of upgrading your site’s electricity supply. Our experience at Salix in delivering the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme indicates that delays in electrical connection upgrades can, at times, hit building decarbonisation projects unawares.

Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) face long queues of connection upgrade requests as building occupants race to decarbonise their sites. A heat pump installation can easily double the power required by a building at peak load. It is not unusual for capacity upgrades to take upwards of two years from initial inquiry to the point of connection.

A whole-building approach could reduce the total size of the heat pumps required, which could in turn increase the amount of heat pump capacity that can be installed without an electricity supply upgrade. It’s not quite skipping the queue, but realising you no longer need to be in it.

A whole-building approach to reducing energy demand before the installation of a heat pump has clear cost benefits and is promoted by government guidance, but brings carbon reduction benefits beyond these, including mitigating the rebound effect and any slowdown in grid decarbonisation, as well as potentially reducing the reliance on Distribution Network Operators to deliver electricity upgrades to decarbonise.

What’s the saying – change starts at home?

Sources:

www.salixfinance.co.uk

This article appeared in the March 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Prevent Major Damage with a Leak Detection System

Chris Potts, Marketing Director at ANT Telecom, believes that neglecting to address leaks promptly can lead to severe repercussions and can cause structural damage to the premises with wood rotting, metal structures corroding as well as damaging building materials like drywall and insulation. He advises how businesses can protect themselves against the risks of water damage, particularly during the wetter months of the year.

The wettest months in the UK tend to be at the start and end of the year with highs of 213mm of rain, meaning business owners are often affected by leaks on a much larger scale. These leaks can be caused by anything from gaps in a roof, a faulty faucet, blocked drains, worn seals or even faulty appliances. What’s worse, small leaks can often occur in hidden places and can go unnoticed by manual searches, causing extensive damage before the leak is even realised.

Reduce the risk of leaks

It’s estimated that businesses in the UK spend more than £730 million a year to repair damage caused by water. So, having an early warning when leaks occur could be crucial to saving businesses money and preventing major damage and disruption.

There are a few ways to combat leaks. The first is to regularly inspect vulnerable areas like roofs, pipes, and appliances for signs of wear and keep drains and gutters clear to prevent blockages. Additionally, maintaining building infrastructure, installing water pressure regulators, and training staff to identify early signs of leaks for a proactive approach to minimising risks of leaks. However, these suggestions aren’t 100% reliable and do come at a cost, not to mention the time commitment it requires from employees.

Because small leaks often occur in hidden areas and can go unnoticed, they can cause extensive damage before they are discovered. And, even if staff are checking specific areas manually, a business is still in danger of missing damage caused in difficult-to-spot areas – which can significantly harm operations. This is why it’s recommended to implement a leak detection system to provide a more reliable, cost-effective solution that continuously monitors high-risk areas 24/7, instantly alerting businesses to potential issues from the get go.

How does a leak detection system work?

Leak detection systems use wireless sensors with conductive cable attached to monitor leaks to equipment or a specific area. When water hits the cable, it is detected by the sensor, and an online monitoring portal is updated, automatically alerting a business’s response team by phone, SMS, or email. The alert message details which sensor triggered the alert and by reviewing a site map in the portal, the responders can see the sensor and the location of the leak. If required, the solution can also automatically turn water valves off to ensure no further damage is sustained while the team attends to and assesses the situation.

The conductive cable can come in different forms and lengths depending on the application. For instance, to detect leaks in a roof, a wire mesh material that spreads out on the floor to cover a section directly underneath the roof space can be used. Similarly, to detect the presence of water in a particular area of a room, a cable that runs around the perimeter, close to the appliance or in an electrical riser can be used to detect any unwanted water.

The sensors are wireless, making them easy to install, all of which helps to keep the costs down as they don’t need expensive energy or network cabling for power or connectivity. These sensors are low-powered, which means batteries last a long time, approximately 2-3 years and can transmit data to an online portal via a 4G gateway. The long-range capabilities of the sensors makes it possible to cover large areas with a small number of gateways and monitor areas where there is no access to 4G, WIFI or the corporate network.

Saving staffs’ time

A big part of any leak monitoring solution is ensuring alarms are dealt with and managed effectively. By installing a leak detection system, businesses don’t need someone sitting idly monitoring a screen and manually distributing alerts to a response team. This can all be done automatically. Businesses that incorporate this system will have access to a secure online portal, which can be accessed through any web browser on a PC, laptop, or smartphone. This means registered users can monitor live sensor statuses via a comprehensive site map, instantly identifying active (water detected) or non-active (no water detected) sensors. Additionally, detailed charts and reports provide historical data, showing the frequency and location of detected leaks over time. All of this essentially means that staff can spend their time focusing on other more pressing tasks through the day.

Not only this, businesses can save time by deciding which member(s) receives which alarm and how they get it. All alarm information is also logged and timestamped on the system, detailing when the team acknowledged and closed them. This makes it possible to review how alarms are handled and where improvements can be made. It’s also recommended to choose a provider that can easily expand the solution, and other sensors, such as temperature, CO2, energy, power, vibration, sound, light, etc. By doing so, business can collect data and remotely monitor the condition its environments, equipment and appliances all from one single application.

Conclusion

In the spirit of “New Year, New Me,” businesses are encouraged not to let water damage disrupt operations or lead to unnecessary expenses in 2025. For teams that spend time checking for water damage, worry during heavy rainfall, or wonder about the potential impact of leaks—especially when water penetrates critical areas like electrical risers—there is a solution. A leak detection system can help save time on manual monitoring and reduce risks to facilities and contents by delivering instant alerts.

This article appeared in the March 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Organizations’ lack of data poses major challenge to decarbonization: Siemens study

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has published a new report entitled “Digital Transformation, Sustainable Returns: The New Pathway of Infrastructure”. It is based on a survey of 650 senior executives and explores how digitalization can be harnessed to accelerate decarbonization and transform the world’s infrastructure – particularly in energy, buildings and industrial operations. The findings highlight how smart infrastructure enables decarbonization, resource efficiency and collaboration to achieve sustainability goals. However, whilst there has been significant progress in recent years, there is still an immense untapped potential, especially when it comes to data-driven operations.

Digitalization is a key enabler of decarbonization

The main insights include the extent to which digitalization enables more sustainable infrastructure, the importance of the right data to inform decision-making on the path to net zero, and which technologies leaders expect to have the greatest positive impact. Digital platforms are also seen to be an advantage for businesses, with respondents rating the top five benefits of their adoption as scalability; time and cost efficiency; faster implementation; reliability; and interoperability.

“Digitalization is a powerful enabler of sustainability, and decarbonizing our buildings, grids and infrastructure is within reach with solutions that exist today. For example, with IoT driving down the cost of smart building technologies, we can connect systems, reduce energy use, and unlock massive savings,” said Thomas Kiessling, CTO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “To accelerate decarbonization and meet critical climate targets, we must harness digital technologies like AI and IoT in a more transformative way. The solutions exist, the savings are clear – there is no reason not to act now.”

Digital technologies were found to play a critical role in reducing carbon footprints, optimizing resource use, and integrating renewable sources. 55% of respondents said that digital technologies have a significant or massive potential to advance the decarbonization of their operations. However, with 45% stating they see little or no such potential, many may not fully appreciate the links between digitalization and decarbonization.

Data gaps pose a major challenge

Smarter, connected infrastructure is key to energy management. Even though 54% of those surveyed say their organizations are mature or advanced in the data-driven management of their operations, the research also finds that one of the major challenges to decarbonization efforts is data availability. A considerable proportion of respondents say they have little or none of the data they need in areas that are key to improving decarbonization and resource efficiency: 44% lack emissions data, 46% lack plant and machinery performance data, and 30% lack energy consumption data.

Respondents also face hurdles in leveraging data even when it is available due to limitations in their organization’s abilities to effectively integrate, manage, and analyze data coming from a variety of sources. There is a recognized need across organizations to increase the volume, improve the quality, and enhance the availability of their data assets if they wish to make informed decisions and achieve better efficiency and sustainability outcomes.

AI could be key to the energy transition

Based on the results of the survey, it is clear that AI is the technology expected to have the most positive impact on decarbonization and resource efficiency: 33% of respondents believe AI to have the biggest impact in the next three years. However, for now, other solutions contribute significantly to emission reductions, including IoT, digital twins, smart grids, and edge technologies.

Siemens Smart Infrastructure

This article appeared in the March 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Enhancing condition monitoring in smart theatres – IAconnects enables data capture and aggregation at NHS hospital

Like many NHS facilities, St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London is under pressure to deliver adequate, efficient clinical services. After securing funding from the local authority, the hospital’s team enlisted multiple specialists to help it improve energy consumption and asset performance. Among these was IAconnects, a monitoring solutions integrator, which supplied wireless sensor technology to capture various data points from the building management system (BMS).

Operating theatres are among the most energy-intensive areas in hospitals, consuming three to six times more energy than clinical wards. St George’s Hospital, which performs over 130,000 operations annually, wanted to capture all the available environmental data from 31 operating theatres and augment any missing data sets by installing control and monitoring devices.

Supported by sustainability funding, the hospital began working with several domain experts, including a BMS specialist and a consultancy, as part of its smart theatres project. It also enlisted IAconnects to deliver data capture, aggregation and dissemination services.

“St George’s needed a solution that would establish with the existing BMS and fill any gaps in environmental data,” explained Dave Lister, solutions consultant at IAconnects. “Our approach was to deploy over 500 wired and wireless sensing devices using LoRaWAN technology to monitor key environmental metrics.”

The hospital’s team can now access over 250 data points from the BMS, including temperature, humidity, CO2, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), illuminance (Lux), air pressure and occupancy. The occupancy data enables automatic adjustments to HVAC systems, such as activating Set Back and Ramp Up modes. Meanwhile, hospital staff can monitor power consumption using wireless current transformers and BMS data.

Captured data is integrated into a middleware platform, MobiusFlow, which normalises and aggregates the information for use by Trust stakeholders. The platform allows for real-time analytics and automated responses, ensuring efficient energy management.

“The first phase has delivered significant benefits,” continued Lister. “These include energy savings exceeding £350k and a return on investment is expected in under two years. Meanwhile, by optimising the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems based on occupancy, the solution reduces stress on equipment, extending asset lifecycles.”

“The team at IAconnects Technology have become trusted advisors and suppliers in support of the St George’s Hospital Digital Roadmap,” said David Roskams, BYFH lead for digital transformation, estates and facilities division at St George’s Hospital. “IAconnects’ approach is always pragmatic and, at every step, considers the bigger picture. It operates comfortably in all aspects of what is a highly complex business model, considering not only Digital and Asset Management challenges but adding value to clinical, EFM and business intelligence working groups.”

Building on this success, the project is expanding into additional areas, including anaesthesia feeder rooms, with plans to monitor nitrous oxide systems and explore AI applications for predictive maintenance and environmental-patient data analysis. These advancements will shape the future of healthcare facilities under the New Hospital Programme.

For more information on energy monitoring solutions for hospitals, smart buildings and commercial facilities, visit the IAconnects website https://iaconnects.co.uk/solutions/energy-monitoring/

UK HVAC & Heat Pump skills shortage – where do we go from here?

Rinnai’s Tony Gittings analyses the advent of a shortage of skilled labour in the HVAC industry and specifically in heat pump installation, as well as the wider energy industry. The effect of a rising skills shortage on large infrastructure projects and national Net Zero objectives may take a heavy toll.

A national skills shortage in the HVAC, heat pump installation and wider UK energy industry is a growing issue that needs close attention as it could have a very serious impact on NetZero objectives. Internal and external issues impacting the drive to carbon neutrality are usually given media and government attention in priority to the more mundane topic of training the next generation of skilled installers and contractors. One area directly related is the shortage of training and experienced heat pump installers and engineers.

The skills shortage affects two key areas that are vital components of the drive towards UK carbon neutrality. Progress in domestic and commercial heat pump installations as well as large infrastructure projects is being negatively influenced by a lack of trained professionals.

However, the number of qualified heat pump engineers has increased from just 3,000 in 2022 to 7,800 in 2023. In the first 9 months of 2024 a further 7,000 had completed a recognised qualification. For the UK to realise NetZero objectives it is estimated by the UK Heat Pump Association that a total of 33,700 fully approved heat pump engineers is required – with at least 27,000 needed for 2028.

Despite the rise in UK heat pump installers further problems relating to skills being unused due to a lack of domestic demand is apparent. In a recent article, Charlotte Lee, chief executive of the Heat Pump Association, said ‘more people are training to become heat pump installers’ but warned that increased consumer demand is needed “to encourage trained individuals to become active in the workforce”.

Ms Lee continued: “Interest in the training is growing. However, there is a gap between the number of trained individuals and active heat pump installers working in the market with around 39 per cent of those who complete a training course currently not going on to install heat pumps.”

Additional factors that have influenced heat pump workforce size projections include poor government support, retirement and senior heating engineers being reluctant to retrain. There are many obstacles in attracting qualified UK heat pump engineers and in the heat pump market that makes for installations being problematic.

Suspending or even cancelling large infrastructural projects due to a lack of recognised skilled labour is arguably a bigger challenge than attracting heat pump engineers. Huge electrical grid upgrade projects face being postponed due to a gap in skilled workers able to carry out required tasks. There are numerous projects across the UK that centre on upgrading the electrical transmission grid.

To satisfy future electrical supply and demand the UK National Grid has announced plans for the “Great Grid Upgrade.” The national grid requires adapting due to a transition away from fossil fuels through electrification. The current UK grid was designed to transport coal fired energy generated from geographically positioned power stations.

The total cost of the upgrade is thought to be around £16 Billion (Fund Calibre, Yardley, 2024) and will include grid connections to offshore wind and rural solar installations that allows for the easy transfer of renewable power to all corners of Britain.

Further electrical grid connections and upgrade projects are being pursued that will also aid in the access of renewable energy to the UK electrical grid resulting in lower customer costs. The UK and Denmark have collaborated in constructing a link – the Viking Line’ – that stretches for 475 miles joining Lincolnshire and southern Jutland.

The Viking Link required £1.7 billion of investment and is capable of powering 2.5 million UK households. National Grid estimate that the new connection will result in £500 millions of savings for UK customers in its first 10 years by enabling a clear path of trade that compliments seasonal demand and price between the two countries. (all info available at National Grid website).

The UK and Netherlands governments have also announced plans to construct a submarine interconnection that will allow both countries to transfer and trade clean offshore wind generated electricity. The Lion Link will produce 1.8GW of energy – enough to power 2.5 million homes and is due to be operational around 2030. (Info available at National grid website)

Scottish Power will also upgrade their transmission network over the next 10 years costing £5.4 billion. These upgrades will contribute 80-85GW of clean renewable electricity to the British grid.

The UK Government is committed to decarbonising the UK electrical grid by 2030, hence the huge levels of labour and financial investment. For all this work to be completed a well-motivated and professional workforce is essential.

An article in green energy and environment reveals the gaps in skills and low morale inside the UK electrical sector. A workforce survey carried out by the public and private sector trade union Prospect demonstrates the impression held by industry professionals.

According to feedback from recipients 82% of workers inside the electrical sector believe staffing levels are too low, whilst 69% believe there is a tangible skills shortage. Ecological website Environmental Journal included the following quote from their 2024 article on the same topic.

‘Upgrading the UK’s electricity networks must be a national priority. However, the much-needed infrastructure rollout described in this report will not happen without a skilled workforce to plan, build, operate and maintain it,’ said Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect.

For the UK to encourage domestic and commercial heat pump installation as well as complete large and meaningful infrastructure jobs, a well-motivated and professional workforce must be in place. Without a skilled selection of workers, the UK will find progress in achieving NetZero targets substantially harder and the switch away from fossil fuels much more difficult. Training a new generation of electrical and heating engineers is integral to creating growth in a carbon reduced society.

Rinnai will continue to observe UK and international energy news movement and report any information that could impact energy options or appliances. Rinnai is keen on providing all customers with a wealth of knowledge that encourages better, more informed, decision making.

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Where comfort meets carbon goals – rethinking indoor spaces for Net Zero

24--nastuh-abootalebi-eHD8Y1Znfpk-unsplash-(1) — Photo by Nastuh Abootalebi on Unsplash

Tom Garrigan, Technical Director, BSRIA

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is a crucial determinant of health, comfort, and productivity. In the UK, where people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, ensuring optimal IEQ should not be considered a luxury but a necessity. As we move towards achieving decarbonising the built environment, the sector faces the significant challenge of improving indoor comfort while drastically reducing carbon emissions.

To understand how this can be done, we first need to drill down into the critical components that make up optimal IEQ.

Good foundations, good environment

Optimal IEQ depends on several interrelated factors, including thermal comfort, air quality, acoustics, and access to natural light. Together, these elements contribute to towards the physical and mental well-being of occupants.

The drive for energy efficiency, however, can risk compromising these factors. For example, measures aimed at reducing heating and cooling demand can inadvertently lead to issues like poor air circulation or inadequate lighting. This highlights the importance of a tailored, holistic strategy for building design and operation.

Overcoming misconceptions

A common misconception is that prioritising decarbonisation goals inevitably means sacrificing comfort or operational quality. Well-designed operational and control strategies can enhance both IEQ and energy efficiency. Achieving this dual goal requires careful planning and the adoption of integrated design principles.

For instance, a fabric-first approach – which prioritises the energy performance of the building envelope – can significantly reduce energy demand. However, neglecting aspects such as moisture control and thermal bridging risks creating problems like condensation or mould, which can harm both buildings and their occupants. Holistic design methodologies that integrate a whole building approach can mitigate such risks, ensuring that decarbonisation and IEQ objectives are met in tandem.

Measuring up

One often-overlooked aspect of improving IEQ and energy performance is thorough diagnostics. To effectively address the unique needs of each building, it’s essential to measure and track performance metrics. As the saying goes, “you can’t manage what you don’t measure.”

By employing robust diagnostic tools and methods, building operators and designers can identify specific areas for improvement, enabling precise data-driven and meaningful interventions. This not only supports the delivery of decarbonisation targets but also ensures long-term occupant satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Embarking on the decarbonisation journey with the target of achieving Net Zero presents an opportunity to rethink traditional approaches to building design and management. By prioritising integrated design strategies, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders which considers how a building will be used, the industry can create spaces that are both sustainable and comfortable.

Achieving this vision requires a shift in mindset, emphasising the interconnectedness of energy efficiency and IEQ. With time running out to address the climate emergency, the construction sector must seize this moment to deliver buildings that meet the needs of both people and the planet.

This article appeared in the March 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

Addressing Water Leakage: The Role of IoT and Sub-Gigahertz Connectivity in the UK

gareth-mitchell-and-andy-welch — Gareth Mitchell and Andy Welch

Water leakage is a critical issue affecting residential and commercial properties across the UK, with severe financial, environmental and operational consequences. The rising cost of water bills, paired with the prevalence of insurance claims for water damage, highlights the urgency of finding innovative solutions to detect and manage leaks more effectively.

Gareth Mitchell, UK Partner Manager, Heliot Europe, and Andy Welch, Business Development Manager, LeakSafe, discuss how the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and sub-gigahertz connectivity is emerging as a pivotal tool in improving leak detection and prevention, and transforming traditional water management processes.

The Water Leakage Challenge

In the UK, over 1 trillion litres were estimated to have been lost last year due to leaks – and 51 litres of water is wasted per person, per day in England and Wales, according to Ofwat. Much of this loss is attributed to aging infrastructure, where corroded pipes, weather-related damage, and gradual structural shifts contribute to undetected leaks. This has two significant impacts: property owners face costly repairs and escalating insurance premiums, while the environment at large suffers from wasted resources.

Identifying leaks before they cause serious damage is notoriously difficult, especially in older buildings where leaks may develop silently under floors or behind walls. Traditional methods of detection – visual inspections or waiting for signs of water damage – are reactive and often come too late. By the time a leak becomes noticeable, issues like damp, weakened structures, and extensive water damage have already set in, resulting in costly remediation efforts.

The age and condition of some of the UK’s infrastructure only compounds this issue. Many properties were built decades ago, making them particularly vulnerable to leaks that go undetected for extended periods. For property managers and councils responsible for large portfolios of aging buildings, the need for more efficient and accurate leak detection has never been more pressing.

A Technological Solution

Instead of relying on infrequent manual inspections or reacting to a burst pipe, IoT technology and sub-gigahertz connectivity offer a promising solution to this problem. By deploying sensors that monitor moisture levels, flow rates, and pipe integrity, leaks can be pinpointed at their earliest stages – and long before they become visible to the naked eye. These sensors can be installed in new and existing properties, ensuring broad applicability across residential, commercial and public sector buildings.

Low Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) connectivity, operating below 1GHz, provides a critical advantage over traditional cellular and Wi-Fi networks in this space. These sub-gigahertz technologies allow for long-range communication capabilities, deep penetration of building materials like steel and concrete, and reliable transmission from underground installations. What is more, due to the lower power consumption of these devices compared to alternatives, they can last much longer in the field, which is crucial for devices which are buried underground or under floorboards, which require significant maintenance work to check and replace.

Beyond early detection, these systems can also automate immediate responses. For instance, when a leak is detected, sensors can activate an electro-mechanical valve to physically shut off the water supply instantly, preventing further damage. This process can even be done remotely using an app, giving users precise control over water flow within their property. By integrating IoT and LPWAN technology, these systems offer a proactive, hands-free solution to a problem that has long relied on reactive methods.

Benefits for Property Management and Insurance

The shift from manual inspection to automated monitoring brings significant benefits for property managers and insurers alike. IoT-enabled sensors can continuously monitor water systems, providing real time alerts to enable swift intervention before a minor problem escalates into a major one. This reduces the need for routine physical inspections and allows facilities teams to manage multiple properties remotely, improving efficiency.

In the insurance sector, advanced leak detection technologies are increasingly recognised for their ability to prevent leaks and reduce claims. Insurers in the UK today currently pay out an estimated £1.8 million per day for water related claims. By installing or retrofitting these leak detection systems in both commercial and residential properties, insurers can reduce the frequency and severity of claims, leading to lower premiums for property owners. This creates a mutually beneficial situation, where insurers minimise losses while property owners gain protection and peace of mind.

Addressing Environmental and Conservation Implications

Beyond the financial and operational benefits, IoT and sub-gigahertz connectivity have an important role to play in addressing wider environmental concerns around water wastage too. Water conservation is becoming an urgent priority in the UK, especially in the context of climate change. Current projections suggest that by 2050, the UK will need an additional 5 billion litres per day to meet demand. It is therefore no surprise that the Environment Agency has identified smart meters as becoming the standard in this field in the future, on the road to ensuring long-term sustainability.

Consider, for example, a historic building in central London. Due to its age, the building’s plumbing system has developed a slow, undetected leak in a pipe running beneath the floorboards of a tenant’s flat. Without IoT-enabled sensors, this leak would likely remain hidden for months, only becoming apparent once extensive water damage had compromised the structural integrity of the floor. By this point, the cost of repairs and insurance claims would be substantial, and a significant amount of water would have been lost in the process.

However, with IoT sensors installed, the system detects abnormal moisture levels almost immediately, triggering an alert to managers. The issue is then swiftly addressed before the leak has a chance to escalate, saving both the property and water resources. This proactive approach highlights how this technology can transform leak detection, particularly in older properties that present significant maintenance challenges. Moreover, in urban areas, where infrastructure is more complex and difficult to manage, these technologies can pinpoint issues in specific locations – whether an old listed building in London, or a newly constructed development in Manchester. Such precision allows for more effective conservation efforts, helping to protect what is fast becoming a scarce resource.

Conclusion

IoT and sub-gigahertz connectivity offers a modernising approach to addressing water leakage issues in the UK. By embracing these technologies, property managers and insurers can mitigate risks, reduce costs, and contribute to the conservation of the UK’s water resources. As the country continues to modernise its infrastructure, these solutions will play a vital role in shaping the future of water management and enhancing the resilience of buildings nationwide.

This article appeared in the March 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

River Thames to help power University of East London net zero campus of the future

The University of East London (UEL) is extending its strategic partnership with global technology company Siemens in a contract that will see the business design and install a Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) to help power its net zero campus of the future.

The new WSHP is set to be the largest fitted at any university and will power the university’s Docklands Campus Library and Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability buildings, replacing existing gas boilers – and together with campus existing green energy infrastructure, achieve carbon zero in these spaces.

Submerged in the River Thames, the closed-loop system will use a series of pipes to extract natural heat from the water in the Royal Albert Docks, providing a cost-effective heating system which will reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 258 tonnes without removing vast quantities of water from the river.

The system is scalable to allow the university to extend in the future similar heat pump systems across the Campus and the wider Royal Docks – the only Enterprise Zone in London – and is part of the long-term partnership with Siemens, which is supporting the university’s transition to net zero by 2030.

The strategic partnership, which was formed in 2022, has already seen Siemens deploy a variety of decarbonisation technologies including solar PV, Building Management Systems and EV charging infrastructure across the university campus. In addition, Siemens is using its Building X technologies and data analytics to allow UEL to better understand its energy consumption and drive research and enterprise programmes.

UEL has reduced its CO₂ emissions and carbon-producing energy consumption more than any other modern London university already, and by 2026 will achieve the lowest emissions per student in the UK – putting it on track to achieve its 2030 net zero targets.

The partnership is providing a clear, replicable blueprint for sustainability. As well as saving the university over £500,000 per year in utility costs and reducing emissions by over 1,000 tonnes annually, the partnership has driven a unique range of successful green employability, enterprise and research initiatives including student internships, MSc sponsorships, hackathons, and the creation of a ‘Living Lab’ for training and research on sustainability.

This project directly supports the Mayor of London’s vision for a greener, more sustainable capital, advancing his commitment to cleaner air, renewable energy, and achieving net zero by 2030.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is leading the way in the fight against climate change, and projects like this pioneering partnership between the University of East London and Siemens are key to our city’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of the River Thames to heat university buildings, this initiative demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can drive real progress towards net zero. It not only reduces carbon emissions but also sets a powerful example of how London’s institutions can embrace cutting-edge, clean energy solutions to build a better, fairer and greener city for all Londoners.”

UEL Vice-Chancellor & President, Professor Amanda Broderick, said: “We are committed to driving forward sustainable innovation that not only reduces our environmental impact but also creates a living laboratory for the next generation of climate leaders. This Water Source Heat Pump demonstrates how universities can be at the forefront of the green energy transition, harnessing our natural surroundings to drive real change. Through our strategic partnership with Siemens, we are accelerating towards our 2030 net zero targets, delivering cutting-edge solutions that will benefit all the communities we serve, and the planet.”

Andrew Smyth, Head of Sustainability for Smart Infrastructure Buildings, Siemens UK and Ireland, said: “Decarbonising heating systems is a critical step towards achieving net zero carbon emissions. The University of East London has a fantastic resource in the Thames, right on its doorstep. Harnessing renewable power from the water allows it to take huge steps towards its net zero goals.

“The investment is underpinned by our long-term strategic partnership. And it demonstrates how data-led insights of buildings and energy consumption provide heightened confidence in deploying large-scale renewables technologies like Water Source Heat Pumps. The programme is setting the blueprint for how sustainability can be a catalyst for fantastic collaboration and innovation between businesses and universities.”

Building X is Siemens’ digital building platform designed to digitalise, manage, and optimise building operations. It aims to enhance user experience, increase performance, and improve sustainability. Building X integrates various applications and services, including energy management, security management, and building automation, to create a unified data environment that enhances accuracy and efficiency.

RatedPower publishes 2025 Global Renewable Trends Report examining the green landscape 

RatedPower, a part of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, has released its 2025 Global Renewable Trends Report.

The report explores the fundamental challenges, trends, and successes across the renewables landscape through the eyes of more than 140 industry professionals surveyed. Included is a breakdown of RatedPower user statistics, which sheds light on the most popular design trends across the platform. 

The results revealed resolute confidence in the future of renewables, with storage, solar, and green hydrogen as key growth areas over the next five years. According to the respondents, the U.S., China, Australia, Brazil, and India comprise the top five countries with the highest renewable growth potential. Also cited were pivotal driving factors such as the combination of governmental buy-in, strong economic incentives, and favorable geographic locations.

The survey also asked respondents to share their views on the sector’s principal challenges. Grid saturation and instability (60.1%), and permitting and regulation (49.7%) rose to the top of the list. This mirrored the top two challenges from last year, but the percentage for both dropped by approximately 6%, respectively, highlighting some perceived potential for improvement in these areas.

In response to the survey, RatedPower customer Diego Lobo-Guerrero Rodriguez from SENS – Iqony Sustainable Energy Solutions commented on the immense impact that AI, machine learning, and digitalization trends will have on the industry. He stated, “I expect many steps forward towards a faster development of technologies and services, but doing it safely is critical.” He said the industry needs to be prepared for how “energy demand will increase heavily” from the surge in new data centers

Respondents also shared their view on how storage technology, such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), and alternate renewable deployments such as agri-PV, floating solar, and offshore wind, can be maximized. A common theme that emerged across all these areas was the implementation of supportive policies, incentives, and more streamlined processes. 

Key data takeaways from the report

93.7% of respondents rated their confidence in the industry’s future as either four or five out of five.
60.1% of those surveyed stated that grid saturation and instability was the critical challenge facing the renewables industry, down from 66.7% last year. 
48.3% stated that storage has the most significant growth potential over the next five years, with solar in second at 30.8%. 
Bifacial modules continue to dominate simulations, being the chosen module in over 91% of simulations in all four quarters of 2024. Bifacial modules accounted for 94.46% of simulations in Q4 of 2024, a record high. 
Hybrid plants have made up between 11% and 28% of simulations through all four quarters of 2024. 
Over 60% of simulations in 2024 have used string inverters. This upward trend has been tracking for the last few years. Central inverters are still more popular in simulations of plants with peak power of 100 MW or more.

Andrea Barber, VP of Power & Renewables at Enverus and co-founder of RatedPower said, “It has been a pleasure to produce the report for five years running. Over that time, we have seen substantial change, not just across the industry but also in technology’s power to transform the solar design process. Even though there are uncertainties and critical challenges to overcome, we’re energized by the possibilities ahead and are proud to be part of the transformative path to a greener future.”

Click here to download the full report. 

About Enverus

Enverus is the most trusted, energy-dedicated SaaS platform, offering real-time access to analytics, insights and benchmark cost and revenue data sourced from our partnerships to 98% of U.S. energy producers, and more than 35,000 suppliers. Our platform, with intelligent connections, drives more efficient production and distribution, capital allocation, renewable energy development, investment and sourcing; and our experienced industry experts support our customers through thought leadership, consulting and technology innovations. We provide intelligence across the energy ecosystem: renewables, oil and gas, financial institutions, and power and utilities, with more than 6,000 customers in 50 countries. Learn more at Enverus.com.

About RatedPower 

RatedPower helps companies discover the smartest ways to design and engineer utility-scale solar PV plants and maximize their potential through their software to automate and optimize the study, analysis, design, and engineering of photovoltaic plants and their electrical infrastructure in all its stages. RatedPower has helped design more than 55 TW in more than 160 countries. Bringing value to developers, IPPs, contractors, investors, and manufacturers, helping them make better decisions, democratizing engineering knowledge, and boosting the deployment of solar plants worldwide. Learn more at RatedPower.com.

Leading Local Authorities in energy efficient social housing

Exeter leads with the highest average Energy Efficiency Score of 75.6 for social housing in England and Wales
14% of Exeter’s social properties are rated A for energy efficiency
Stirling tops Scotland with an average EPC score of 82.69 for social housing
The Passivhaus standard is increasingly adopted in UK social housing projects
Making your home more energy efficient can help lower your energy bills as well as comparing cheaper energy deals

As the push for sustainability grows, new research from Uswitch energy highlights the top local authorities in England, Wales, and Scotland for energy-efficient social housing. This report showcases their average EPC scores and the percentage of A-rated properties, underscoring efforts to provide affordable, energy-efficient homes for tenants.

Table 1: Top ten local authorities in England and Wales ranked by Energy Efficiency Score for social housing Source: Uswitch.com

Local Authority	Average EPC Energy Efficiency Score
Exeter	75.6
Rochford	75
Peterborough	74.9
Monmouthshire	74.5
Flintshire	74.4
Torfaen	74.4
North Somerset	74.2
Oadby and Wigston	73.7
Gravesham	73.6
Luton	73.6

Exeter leads with the highest average EPC rating of 75.6 for social housing, followed closely by Rochford and Peterborough at 75.0 and 74.9, respectively. These areas highlight a strong push for energy efficiency in social housing. Monmouthshire, Flintshire, and Torfaen, all scoring around 74.4, continue this trend, showing a commitment to sustainable housing solutions.

Other regions, including North Somerset, Oadby and Wigston, Gravesham, and Luton, with ratings between 73.6 and 74.2, also prioritise energy efficiency. These local authorities are enhancing housing stock to reduce energy use, lower utility costs for tenants, and contribute to climate action efforts.

Table 2: Top ten local authorities with the highest percentage of A-rated EPC social housing stock in England and Wales. Source: Uswitch.com

Local authority	# of social properties rated A	% of social properties rated A
Exeter	388	13.78%
Oadby and Wigston	62	11.15%
Isle of Anglesey	76	7.97%
Ceredigion	60	6.17%
Powys	87	4.70%
Pendle	93	3.94%
Burnley	46	3.85%
Forest of Dean	33	3.17%
Flintshire	149	3.05%
South Norfolk	56	2.89%

To achieve an A-rated EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), a property must have high insulation levels, an efficient heating system, and low carbon emissions, often incorporating renewable energy sources. This rating indicates that the home uses minimal energy for heating and has a reduced environmental impact, making it an excellent choice for energy efficiency.

Among the areas rated with an EPC score of A, Exeter stands out with the highest percentage of social properties achieving this top rating, at 13.78%. This is a significant proportion, with 388 properties in total falling under the A category. Other notable areas with strong A ratings include Oadby and Wigston (11.15%) and Isle of Anglesey (7.97%), both of which show impressive percentages of their social properties classified as A. Additionally, Ceredigion, Powys, and Pendle also contribute to the list of areas performing well, though at slightly lower rates. These areas reflect a trend of increasing energy efficiency in social housing, which is crucial for reducing carbon footprints and providing more affordable living for tenants.

Table 3: Top ten local authorities in Scotland ranked by Energy Efficiency Score for social housing. Source: Uswitch.com

Local Authority	Average EPC Energy Efficiency Score
Stirling	82.69
Aberdeenshire	77.02
Glasgow City	75.13
Falkirk	74.60
West Dunbartonshire	73.90
Clackmannanshire	73.74
South Lanarkshire	73.74
Edinburgh City	73.70
Aberdeen City	73.68
West Lothian	73.53

In Scotland, several local authorities are making strides in improving the energy efficiency of their social housing, as reflected in their EPC ratings. Stirling stands out with an average rating of 82.69, suggesting a strong commitment to energy efficiency in its social housing stock. Following closely are Aberdeenshire and Glasgow City with average ratings of 77.02 and 75.13, respectively, representing a significant portion of the social housing market, with Glasgow City having over 30,000 properties in its EPC sample. Other notable areas include Falkirk (74.60) and West Dunbartonshire (73.90), both demonstrating considerable efforts to improve energy performance.

Passivhaus and social housing projects

Passivhaus is a stringent standard for energy-efficient buildings that emphasises low energy use and minimal environmental impact. It features high-quality insulation, airtight construction, and efficient heating and ventilation systems. Local authorities and housing associations are increasingly adopting the Passivhaus standard in social housing to create affordable, sustainable homes that reduce running costs and carbon emissions.

Key projects include:

Exeter City Council Housing Development Programme
London Borough of Hounslow Housing Masterplan
Midlothian Council Housing Programme
Phoenix Community Housing Projects (Lewisham/Bromley)
Salford’s Greenhaus Project
Portsmouth City Council Housing Development Projects
Cambridge City Council Housing Development Project
Ongoing efforts in Westminster, York, and Deptford Landings (Lewisham, Plot 6)

With Exeter already ranked at the top for social housing energy efficiency, the city is further enhancing its commitment by creating 35 new Passivhaus council homes.

Ben Galizzi, Uswitch energy expert, comments:

“The latest research shows that local authorities are making great progress in improving energy efficiency in social housing. With rising energy costs and a growing need for sustainable living, it’s fantastic to see places like Exeter leading the way with high EPC scores and the creation of Passivhaus homes.

“These efforts not only help tenants save on their energy bills but also play an important part in reducing our carbon footprint and tackling climate change.

“If you’re looking to make your own home more energy-efficient, now is a great time to explore options such as better insulation or energy-efficient appliances. For more tips on how to make your home more energy-efficient, check out Uswitch’s guide on home insulation.”

Methodology & Sources

EPCs – England and Wales: https://epc.opendatacommunities.org/
EPCs – Scotland: https://www.scottishepcregister.org.uk/
Passivhaus: https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/
Social Housing Decarbonisation Statistics https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/social-housing-decarbonisation-fund-statistics-november-2024

EPC data for each local authority was sampled using certificates issued in the past 5 years.

Where properties had multiple certificates issued only the most recent was used.

Data was filtered to only include properties with a tenancy listed as social housing and included certificates issued for the 5 years after 31st Jan 2025.

The Isle of Scilly was omitted from E&W data as less than 50 certificates were issued in the last 5 years.

Note that Scotland’s data is not directly comparable with England & Wales as the 2 schemes use different methodologies.

About Uswitch – saving you money for 20 years

Uswitch is the UK’s top comparison website for home services switching. We’ve saved consumers £2.5 billion off their energy bills since we launched in September 2000, and also help people find a better deal on their broadband, mobile and TV.

Uswitch is part of RVU, a global group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.