A foreword by Imma Boada, National M&E Manager – M&E Contractor Sales Team

The Built Environment – An Insight for M&E Contractors

As the UK accelerates towards its 2050 net zero target, the role of M&E contractors in shaping the future of the commercial built environment has never been more critical. The challenges and opportunities we face today are monumental, particularly in the realms of carbon reduction, decarbonisation, and sustainability. The drive to improve indoor air quality, manage F-gas regulations, enhance energy efficiency, and successfully implement retrofitting solutions is reshaping the landscape of our industry.

Central to these efforts is the adoption of low carbon heating and cooling systems, such as air source heat pumps and advanced chillers. These technologies are not just innovations—they are essential tools in our collective mission to reduce emissions and meet the stringent demands of a net zero future. For M&E contractors, understanding these issues is vital, not only to deliver on the promise of sustainability but also to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

The following pieces of content form a comprehensive exploration of the key issues that will define the coming decades for the commercial built environment. From the intricacies of carbon and decarbonisation strategies to the practicalities of enhancing indoor air quality and navigating F-gas regulations, they offer valuable insights for M&E professionals. By embracing these advancements in low carbon technologies, we can lead the charge in transforming our built environment into one that is not only more energy-efficient but also more sustainable for future generations.

I’d like to take the opportunity to thank those who contributed to the information, including customers like Rothwell Plumbing Services Group (RPS Group) and Salford City Council who gave us permission to case study a selection of low-carbon projects.

An insight into a low carbon landscape

Since January the ‘M&E Contractor Insights’ has covered a series of topics related to low carbon HVAC systems for commercial buildings in the UK. These topics include net zero, decarbonisation, F-Gas and retrofit – all of which are shaping the future of our built environment.

An infographic has been created to provide M&E contractors with an overview of all the topics covered in the campaign, along with links to longer-form content and low carbon product solutions.


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An insight into low carbon retrofit

This white paper outlines key considerations for HVAC retrofitting in commercial buildings, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and overall building performance.

HVAC systems account for around 70% of the energy used in today’s workplaces, so we need to accelerate the retrofitting of our existing commercial building stock if we are to meet the net zero 2050 goals, and M&E Contractors are a key component to contributing to the pace of the retrofits required.


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An insight into whole life carbon

There are growing concerns about the environmental impact of buildings as we seek to achieve the UK’s 2050 target for net zero greenhouse gas emissions and this white paper helps explain what Whole Life Carbon (WLC) is, and why you need to be aware of it.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from the various carbon definitions to the challenges of retrofitting existing buildings, and how to specify solutions for balance and future readiness. It will equip you and your clients to thoroughly assess the impact of using or specifying our equipment.


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Low-carbon solutions

EW HT Product Image Transparrant v4

EW-HT Water to Water Commercial Heat Pump

The Climaveneta EW-HT is perfect for applications where very high temperature water is needed.

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CAHV R Right View transparent

Ecodan CAHV-R Commercial Air Source Heat Pump

This new Mitsubishi Electric air source heat pump uses low GWP R454C refrigerant, offering a robust, low carbon system for the provision of sanitary hot water and space heating

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Project insights

Salford Civic Centre, Salford City

Supporting RSP Group (who provide M&E services to public sector clients) on a Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme project, the Mitsubishi Electric M&E Contractor Team provided CAHV heat pumps systems to support the Salford Civic Centre’s move away from gas and oil boilers.

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Salford Civic Centre

Salford Sports Village, Salford City

On another project with RSP Group and Salford City Council, the Mitsubishi Electric M&E Contractor Team provided CAHV heat pumps to replace the existing gas-fired heating plant. These heat pumps deliver water flow temperatures of 25C to 70C allowing the sports village to meet its heating and hot water needs, while reducing energy consumption.

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