16 THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE In Max’s view, heat pumps are an ideal
step forward here: “Heat pump technol- ogy has been around for over 50 years – it is a technology we already all use; the fridge we have in our homes is a heat pump, and there is nothing different from how a domestic heat pump works.” “In terms of benefits,” he continues,
“we are able to heat homes efficiently, and just as importantly, provide a very comfortable environment to live in.” He tells me that Mitsubishi has already
installed over 100,000 heat pumps across the UK, and that, along with other manufacturers, are “probably talking about hundreds of thousands of units in
total installed; and the benefits are clear.” “We are now past the point of proof of
concept,” Max asserts, “all you need to do is look at Europe, where they have millions installed.” He adds: “Heat pumps working alongside a low-carbon grid are the future for low-carbon homes, and this has been recognised by our Government’s UK heating strategy.”
EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY While he believes heat pumps to be an ideal, and readily available option for housebuilders, Max makes the point that any technology that can work to help to reduce the carbon emissions from the UK housing industry should “of course” be considered. “The future will be a combination of
low carbon and renewable technologies,” he added. “We do need to think carefully about our primary energy use, however.” There is much discussion and
excitement about the use of hydrogen or example, he tells me, but there are reportedly many questions over how we can produce hydrogen in a sustainable, low carbon way that are yet to be answered. Max concludes: “We are a prudent
nation, and will only embrace technology with proof of concept, which heat pumps already have.”
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