34 Road to Net Zero


Road to Net Zero Feature


The power of supplier collaboration


Ashley Cooper from WMS Underfl oor Heating discusses the importance of collaborating with suppliers who are committed to a low-carbon future.


T


he UK’s journey to net zero is reshaping every aspect of the housing sector. While the Future Homes Standard is set to formalise many of these expectations, the road ahead towards reducing carbon emissions,


enhancing energy effi ciency and designing future proof homes that perform eff ectively in the real world is already clear. As the transition gathers pace, low-carbon heating solutions have become a


central part of the conversation. Change is no longer driven solely by legislation, but by a growing demand for homes that are comfortable, effi cient and ready for a low-carbon future. T ose who act now will help shape a housing sector that’s fi t for tomorrow.


For housing providers who want to stay ahead of the game, now is the time to prepare for a long-term shiſt that will defi ne the next generation of homes. However, positive progress depends on more than relying on technology – it requires collaboration across the supply chain, with housing professionals choosing partners and products that share the same mission values.


PARTNERING FOR PERFORMANCE With the targets and changes ahead, heat pumps have emerged as the primary low-carbon heating solution for new homes. However, they must be paired with compatible low-temperature systems to function optimally. Due to the large surface area and low fl ow temperature requirements, hydronic underfl oor heating (UFH) is the most eff ective heat emitter. It enables heat pumps to operate at their optimal Coeffi cient of Performance (COP) level, at fl ow temperatures typically between 35°C and 45°C. To provide the industry with the latest knowledge, Energy House 2.0,


a research facility at the University of Salford, has tested various heating systems to assess their performance across an entire room. Alongside many other factors, the study measured spatial air temperature, providing an accurate picture of how heating systems perform throughout the whole space, eliminating hot spots close to the heat emitter or thermostat and colder temperatures further away. T e results were clear. UFH delivered the lowest temperature variations,


compared to as much as 4°C from other technologies, and 2.2°C from traditional radiators. T e performance was even better when the system ran continuously, further highlighting its effi ciency in real world conditions. However, end user comfort is about more than just average air temperature.


T e time it takes a system to reach that temperature, heat loss during off periods, and overall running costs all impact the occupant experience. A system that costs less to run but is slow to warm up doesn’t tick every box if comfort is only achieved late in the day. A closer examination of the data reveals that UFH provides the most


consistent comfort and effi cient performance. T e cost diff erence between UFH and other options is minimal when compared holistically, plus, as radiant heat is distributed evenly across the fl oor, it eliminates cold spots where mould might develop. T is consistent warmth helps regulate humidity, reducing the risk of condensation and improving indoor air quality.


THREE PILLARS OF PERFORMANCE As regulations evolve and the Future Homes Standard draws closer, proactive system design and innovative specifi cation will be essential.


For housing providers who want to stay ahead of the game, now is the time to prepare for a long-term shift that will defi ne the next generation of homes


UFH is already proving its value in low-carbon homes. Landlords are well-


positioned to meet the challenge with expert guidance from specialist partners and the right technology. Now is the time to work with suppliers who can deliver fully compliant, low-carbon heating systems, off ering regulatory peace of mind and the real world comfort and performance that tenants deserve.


Ashley Cooper is managing director at WMS Underfl oor Heating Housing Management & Maintenance December/January 2026


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