It’s been another exciting year here on The Hub and, with the lights still twinkling on the Christmas tree and many people not fully back to work until next week, we thought we’d take a moment to look back at some of the informative articles that we’ve been able to bring you, including some timely advice on how to prepare your car for any winter weather.
https://les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/the-hub/is-your-car-ready-for-winter
Over the course of the year, we have also tackled electricity prices, keeping zoo animals warm, mental health, COP 30, the challenges of energy use in Retail, the Budget, Sustainable Development Goals, and our own, unique water-based VRF system – which is 10 this year.
We’ve looked at inspiring renovations, which have significantly reduced carbon emissions, focused on happiness at work week, net zero scepticism and the cost of inaction, suggested jobs that can’t be replaced by AI, and looked at why data centres should be seen as the UK's new heat source.
We upload new articles every Monday and there’s always something to help increase your knowledge of construction and HVAC-related topics, so take a few moments to dive in and see what you might have missed this year.
George Clarke’s Amazing Pieces
We couldn’t mention our blogsite without reference to TV architect, George Clarke, who we are lucky enough to have write for us on a regular basis.
George’s last article has covered his wish list for British homes where he set out the seven things he feels needs to change in both government policy and the direction of the country.
He has also written extensively on how and why we need to increase the use of heat pumps to replace the antiquated, carbon intensive gas heating boilers that we are still over reliant on.
He’s looked at the Future Homes Standard and how government should be leading a green homes revolution, and he’s reported on his time at the Ideal Home Exhibition.
But it’s his article on apprentices that we’ve selected for out Top 5 as it points to a bright future for today’s school leavers, who can develop the skills to become the green engineers of the future – jobs that robots and AI simply can’t do!
Life can be a bit mental sometimes
Throughout the year, we also took time to look at the scourge of mental health and why wellbeing is so important for everyone, whether you feel you need help or not.
So, we looked at Mental Health Awareness Week, why the 3rd Monday in January is called Blue Monday, and Happiness at Work Week so, whatever your situation, there is help out there.
For the Top 5 though, we have selected last week’s blog from Janvi Patel which focused on how important it is to take time for yourself in this busy world we live in.
Janvi’s article reminds us that ‘it’s OK not to be OK’ and that asking for help is more of a true sign of bravery than just keeping things to yourself.
A day at the Zoo
Here at The Hub we love our special relationship with the dedicated team at Chester Zoo, which is aiming to be net zero in its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and net zero in its scope 3 emissions by 2050 at the latest. As part of this, it is actively working to reduce its use of fossil fuels.
This world-leading conservation and education charity is committed to preventing extinction and dedicated to raising awareness of conservation and environmental challenges. Chester Zoo is the most visited zoo in the UK, attracting around two million visitors each year, and was recently named as the best zoo in the UK by TripAdvisor.
As a partner of Chester Zoo, we have joined in several events including a fund-raising charity run around the Zoo, we were also there to look at the new luxury accommodation where you can wake up with giraffe outside your window.
We held our own Family Fun day with colleagues and their families, and we took a look at the new accommodation for the hoof stock animals, including zebras, warthogs, ostriches and antelope.
For our Top 5 though, we chose the review of the Zoo’s stunning conference and wedding centre by Carole Titmuss of Refurb Projects magazine.
Sector by sector
As a manufacturer of the HVAC equipment that keeps the nation’s buildings and homes comfortable places to work, rest and play, we see into just about every sector of the UK, including zoo’s (see above!).
With High Street businesses under pressure, we have devoted time to looking at the challenges of reducing energy use and running costs in the Retail sector. We’ve also written about how to get more footfall in your store and keep your customers for longer.
And we have taken a look at the changes in refrigerants that will affect Retail like never before.
We have looked at the increasing trend of ‘Green’ rooms in hotels, and how net zero is now on the menu in restaurants.
We’ve had articles on how the Public Sector has been leading the way towards net zero, and how decarbonisation is happening in education.
For our Top 5 though we took a look at the rapidly growing world of Data Centres with a piece looking at liquid cooling.
Heat Pump Report
Our Top story for 2025 though, focuses on this year’s Heat Pump Report which is called ‘Accelerating the switch’ and looks at how we can increase the number of heat pump installations across the UK.
We’ve looked at how heating engineers can get ready for a switch to renewable heating and have included George Clarke’s take on it as well.
The Top spot though goes to a piece from Chris Newman which focuses on the huge potential that the overlooked area of commercial heating offers, with the possibility of some very quick wins. Commercial heating is a net zero blind spot
So, lots to digest and we’ll leave you in the hope that you enjoy the rest of the festive season.
Russell Jones is content and communications manager and Editor of The Hub
