Further reforms to building standards have supported a rethinking of the net zero concept

Experts say rethinking building standards to include more stringent efficiency targets and mandatory use of renewable energy would enable HVACR decarbonization to scale up.

An industry body representing refrigeration and heating engineers argues that stronger commitments to training in low carbon skills and energy efficiency in buildings are among welcome examples of reforms that could be open to authorities to accelerate the UK’s decarbonization plans.

The comments reflect some of the options that may be open to current and future governments as they scrutinize the effectiveness of existing low-carbon building plans in the run-up to the next general election on July 4.

A High Court ruling earlier this month found that the UK government had breached the Climate Change Act by setting out its planned plan to deliver a carbon budget. Environmental activists representing groups such as Friends of the Earth, which launched the legal action, said the government was expected to present more detailed plans to reduce carbon emissions within 12 months of the ruling.

It is understood that the UK Government was expected to publish a revised plan within the next 12 months that would address some of the issues raised by the High Court about how to remove specific barriers to achieving the target.

RAC Magazine understands that existing implementation plans will remain in place at least until the general election, currently scheduled for July 4.

The Government said the Carbon Delivery Plan now identifies 300 proposals and policies to achieve carbon reduction targets and these targets will remain in place.

A spokesman for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero said this week that the UK had set out zero emissions targets in more detail than many other G20 countries, and the level of those commitments had not been questioned in the High Court ruling.

The spokesman added: “The allegations in this case were mainly about the process and the judgment does not criticize the detailed plans we have in place. We do not believe that a trial court case is the best way to make progress towards our shared goal of achieving net zero.”

Space for further action

However, industry bodies representing the building entry sector and the wider built environment sector have said there is potential and room to further expand commitments in relation to the decarbonisation of cooling and heating systems, which contribute significantly to UK emissions.

The HVACR industry body, FETA, says it would welcome tighter building regulations in England as part of the government’s response to the High Court judgment.

She added that the revised rules could include new targets for building efficiency and the mandatory use of renewable energy systems, an important step towards rethinking how lower carbon HVACR functions can be delivered in buildings.

Other recommendations for changes to UK policy could include extending the existing promotion of smart and appropriate building practices to a wider range of buildings. Feta said it would welcome new financial incentives, such as grants and tax cuts, to make low-carbon and energy-saving technologies used in buildings, such as RACHP equipment, more cost-effective.

Another priority was to support any new initiatives with skills development programs that can offer more comprehensive opportunities to upskill their members with the knowledge and capabilities to address how to deliver low-carbon innovations in line with the drive for efficiency.

FETA added: “Skills Development and Training Programs: FETA would welcome the implementation of comprehensive skills development and training programs to equip its members with the necessary knowledge and experience to support national carbon targets. This includes initiatives that promote professional learning, apprenticeships and continuing professional development.

Another concern of the industry body was measures to ensure more sustainable management of the use of refrigerants.

FETA has stated that it is committed to initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants used in refrigeration and heating systems.

One important mechanism would be planned reforms to the UK’s national fluorinated greenhouse gas regulation over the next twelve months after similar changes are introduced in Europe this year, FETA added.

The association said it will advocate for the use of low GWP refrigerants, while arguing for the importance of energy-efficient system design and responsible management and disposal of the gas used in these systems.

FETA said: “The upcoming consultation on fgases in the UK will set the tone, but the industry will need to work closely with government to ensure there are no unintended consequences.”