Carbon and the built environment - An insight for M&E contractors
Reducing the carbon footprint of our buildings is critical for the UK to reach its Net Zero goals. And M&E contractors have a crucial role in delivering this future. Decisions around equipment selection, installation techniques and maintenance programmes all effect the environmental impact of our buildings - new and existing, domestic, and commercial.
Legislation and government policy are driving the development of low-carbon buildings, and clients are also increasingly focused on the carbon impact of the buildings they occupy.
Today, M&E contractors must grasp the science behind carbon in buildings and the carbon impact of HVAC systems. Many clients now expect contractors to demonstrate their commitment to delivering low-carbon projects - so keeping pace with legislation, standards and technology is vital for business success. It's a change of approach, but one that offers significant opportunities for M&E contractors.
The technologies to achieve low-carbon buildings are in place. Mitsubishi Electric has established itself as a leader in delivering technologies and advice for low carbon projects of all types. One example is our project for The Gym Group, which switched from gas boilers to low-carbon heat pumps to deliver hot water for gym customers. The result was a 400% reduction in carbon emissions.
As part of its commitment to supporting M&E contractors, Mitsubishi Electric has put together this information pack to explain some of the key concepts around carbon in the built environment. Our aim is to provide a resource, but also to open a conversation about how we can work together to deliver buildings for a better, low-carbon future.
I’d like to take the opportunity to thank those who contributed to the information, including Dr Samira Saravi, Product Manager for Hydronics at Mitsubishi Electric and our wider Product Marketing Team for the embodied carbon calculations.
