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

UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard – An Insight for M&E Contractors

As we approach 2030, the urgency of achieving the UK’s net zero goals is intensifying, especially within the commercial built environment. The coming years will witness transformative changes, particularly with the introduction of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard - the UK’s first cross-industry standard that consolidates net zero Carbon requirements for all major building types, aligned with a 1.5°C global temperature trajectory. This groundbreaking initiative, backed by leading organisations such as CIBSE, RIBA, RICS, BBP, BRE, the Carbon Trust, IStructE, LETI, Mitsubishi Electric, and UKGBC, marks a significant milestone in our collective journey toward a sustainable future.

For M&E contractors, these developments herald both challenges and opportunities. Between 2025 and 2030, the industry will experience profound shifts as the new standard comes into force, driving the adoption of more stringent carbon reduction measures across the commercial built environment. Retrofitting existing buildings to meet these new standards will require innovative approaches and cutting-edge technologies - areas where M&E contractors will play a pivotal role.

Low-carbon HVAC manufacturers are essential allies in this mission, providing the advanced solutions necessary to meet the rigorous demands of the Standard. Technologies such as high-efficiency heat pumps, advanced chillers, and smart energy management systems will be crucial in reducing carbon emissions while enhancing building performance. By partnering with Mitsubishi Electric, M&E contractors can ensure they have the tools and expertise needed to deliver on the promises of a net zero future.

The content below introduces a forward-looking discussion on the path to 2030, offering insights and strategies for M&E professionals navigating the evolving landscape of net zero carbon buildings. With the support of low-carbon HVAC manufacturers and the framework provided by the new standard, we can collectively rise to the challenge and drive the transformation needed to secure a sustainable future for the UK.

An insight into the the UKNZCBS

This CPD guide provides an overview into the purpose of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UKNZCBS). The UK NZCBS will provide a consistent way to demonstrate how a building aligns with net zero carbon.

The Standard is aimed at the whole construction sector, since achieving net zero in the built environment will require cooperation and information sharing. This includes those involved in the design and delivery of HVAC systems (including M&E contractors), which will be impacted by several of the Standard’s requirements, targets and limits.

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An insight into efficiency standards

This guide is one of a series of documents produced by Mitsubishi Electric to assist with understanding the heating efficiency of air and water source heat pump systems.

It aims to highlight the legislation which dictates the minimum efficiency level that a heat pump must reach and how that efficiency is measured, calculated and reported by manufacturers. Heat pumps are a key technology for commercial buildings, providing a heating and cooling system which help decarbonise estates in line with net zero targets.

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An Insight into the value of the standard

Last year Mitsubishi Electric hosted a roundtable that focused on the best ways of defining and verifying net zero, so that everyone involved with buildings are all working to the same standard.

The event was chaired by David Partridge from the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard and the roundtable brought together people from across the construction industry to discuss the value of a common standard and give feedback, so that the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard can help to drive market transformation.

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Low-carbon solutions

Ecodan QAHV Commercial Monobloc Air Source Heat Pump

Specifically designed for commercial sanitary hot water application, the Ecodan QAHV CO2 system delivers hot water up to 90 degrees Centigrade to provide a low carbon solution for hospitals, hotels, leisure centres and student accommodation.

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MEHP-iS-G07 Commercial Air Source Heat Pump

The MEHP-iS-G07 is the new Mitsubishi Electric heat pump range manufactured to the highest standard quality and features. Suitable for a range of different applications.

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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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British Land, York House

When leading UK property development and investment company, British Land wanted to decarbonise its flagship five floor headquarters in London’s Marylebone, the company took the opportunity to showcase how low carbon heating could be achieved, without needing gas as backup.

The project replaced the original carbon- intensive four gas boiler heating system by installing two Climaveneta Chillers and a water-to-water heat pump.

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Bournemouth University

Further to the Bournemouth University case study video, the following document gives insight into the site upgrades.

The installation of the CAHV-R heat pumps and a dedicated acoustic enclosure was undertaken by mechanical and electrical contractors, Lowe & Oliver Ltd, who are based in Oxford but work across the South of the country.

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