With the launch last year of the UK’s first Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, the UK took a significant step to set clear targets for measuring whole life carbon in buildings.
Although the Standard is in Pilot format, the full version will launch later in 2025 – but the commercial and public property sectors area already embracing its principles.
For HVAC contractors, the built environment’s low-carbon future creates opportunities to grow their businesses. They are uniquely positioned to provide expertise in energy efficient building services systems, including the use of low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and the new generation of low-GWP refrigerants such as R32 and R290.
Businesses that can show they are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint will win work
Oli Collins Marketing Manager for Contractors
Prove your capabilities
But stepping into the low-carbon future means that contractors must prove their capabilities. Clients in both the public and private sectors are increasingly focused on reducing emissions. They are measuring carbon along the entire construction supply chain and expect their suppliers to demonstrate a commitment to carbon reduction.
For example, in the UK, local authorities require suppliers on contracts valued at £5 million or higher to submit information on carbon emissions. As a result, construction procurement is increasingly seeing explicit emission reduction targets on projects. Businesses that can show they are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint will be more likely to win work.
This is why Mitsubishi Electric launched its Committed Carbon Reduction Partner Programme (CCRP) - to provide education, insights and the all-important third-party accreditation.
The CCRP focuses on delivering results that will give partners a competitive advantage with potential customers. As Chris Newman, Mitsubishi Electric’s Zero Carbon Design Manager, points out: “Clients expect suppliers to demonstrate a commitment to carbon reduction. Businesses that don't actively engage in carbon reduction themselves risk losing clients to competitors who do.”
A vote of confidence
The CCRP, with its built-in third-party accreditation, gives clients the confidence that they are working with a contractor who can help them achieve challenging targets in areas such as building energy efficiency and whole life carbon emissions.
But joining the CCRP is not simply about gaining a badge. Engaging with the Programme will help your business address its own carbon footprint. A key element of the CCRP is that Mitsubishi Electric will fund the carbon assessment for your business and provide a unique step-by-step process to help you use those insights to shrink your carbon emissions.
Chris Newman emphasises that this can be critical information in today’s carbon-conscious construction industry: “Understanding your business carbon footprint allows you to meet the latest purchasing policy requirements and standards. These requirements, which are becoming increasingly stringent, often include mandatory carbon reporting and the implementation of carbon reduction strategies. Failing to meet these requirements could exclude contractors from bidding on certain projects.”
Industry-leading
Put simply, having a carbon reduction plan in place, supported by a third-party carbon footprint assessment, positions your business as a leader in the industry. As we move towards Net Zero, contractors who have already taken steps to reduce their emissions will be better placed to meet future regulations and market demands.
Overall, understanding and assessing your carbon footprint is no longer just a 'nice-to-have' for contractors - it is becoming a business imperative.
By proactively addressing your emissions, you can gain a competitive advantage, meet client expectations, and secure your long-term success in our rapidly changing industry.
If you would like to find out more about the CCRP and start your journey towards the low-carbon future, then click on the link on the right.
Oliver Collins is Marketing Manager for Contractors
