SUSTAINABILITY


Change is constant – but what really lasts in HVAC?


F


In a fast-moving market, Paul Smith managing director of NIBE Energy Systems, says the challenge is identifying what will truly stand the test of time


ew sectors have experienced the pace of change currently facing HVAC. Electrification, tighter carbon targets, evolving standards and rising customer expectations are reshaping how systems are specified, installed and operated. New technologies are entering the market at speed, while policy and funding mechanisms continue to influence adoption patterns. Yet amid this constant change, there is a risk that the industry becomes overly focused on what is new, rather than what endures. Heating and cooling systems are not short- term technologies. Once installed, they are expected to operate reliably for 15 to 25 years or more. Decisions made today will influence performance, running costs and user confidence for decades.


Consistency is engineered, not accidental


Long-term performance is rarely the result of a single innovation. More often, it comes from consistent engineering principles applied over time such as quality of design, robustness of components, attention to system integration and the ability to support installations long after commissioning is complete. For manufacturers operating in the UK HVAC market, this consistency must be deliberate. Systems need to be designed not just to meet today’s standards, but to perform reliably as operating conditions, user behaviour and


energy systems evolve. That requires a long-term mindset, from product development through to aftersales support. At NIBE, this approach has been shaped by experience in delivering heat pump and climate systems for real buildings, operating in real-world conditions. Swedish engineering principles such as durability, efficiency and acoustic performance are important, but so too is adapting those principles to the specific requirements of UK homes and developments.


Products as proof points, not promises


Award Winning Heat Pumps Discover Heating Solutions with NIBE


Air Source Heat Pumps Since 2002


Ground Source Heat Pumps Since 1997


Exhaust Air Heat Pumps Since 1981


Hot Water Heat Pumps Since 2018


As the market matures, there is growing recognition that performance is influenced by how well systems work together, rather than by individual components in isolation. Heat pumps, ventilation, controls and distribution systems all play a role in determining outcomes. The aim is not to offer more choice for its own sake, but to provide engineers with tools that can be applied appropriately across different project types, while maintaining consistent performance standards. In practice, this means prioritising simplicity where possible, ensuring compatibility between components and designing systems that can be installed, commissioned and maintained with confidence.


Performance depends on people as much as products


Find out more at nibe.co.uk/professional @NIBEEnergy NIBE (GB) nibeenergyuk nibe-energy-systems-limited


While technology continues to evolve, one constant remains and that is that system performance ultimately depends on the people who design, install and support it. Industry studies consistently show that underperformance in low-carbon heating systems is more often linked to design, commissioning and operation than to the core technology itself. Field trials conducted by organisations such as the Energy Saving Trust have highlighted how issues such as incorrect sizing, poor hydraulic balance or inadequate commissioning can significantly reduce efficiency and comfort. This places skills and support firmly at


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk NIBE qp BSEE Dec25.indd 1 20/11/25 10:57


the centre of long-term performance. Training installers to understand not just how systems are installed, but how they behave over time, is essential. Equally important is providing access to technical support, diagnostics and guidance once systems are operational.


Trust is built over time


HVAC is an industry built on trust. For homeowners and building operators, heating systems are expected to work quietly and reliably in the background. When systems fail to meet expectations, confidence in the technology (and sometimes the wider transition to low-carbon heating) can be undermined. That is why long-term support structures matter. Nationwide service coverage, responsive technical assistance and clear communication all play a role in maintaining performance and customer confidence over the life of a system. As the installed base of heat pumps continues to grow, the ability to support those systems at scale will become increasingly important. According to government data, annual heat pump installations in the UK have increased steadily in recent years, moving the technology beyond early adopters and into more mainstream delivery. With that shift comes a greater focus on consistency, standards and outcomes, rather than novelty alone.


Reflecting on experience, looking ahead


This year marks 20 years since NIBE began operating in the UK. That milestone is not simply a moment to look back, but an opportunity to reflect on how the sector has evolved and what has remained constant throughout that change. Over two decades, technologies have advanced, regulations have shifted and market expectations have risen. Yet the fundamentals of successful HVAC delivery have remained remarkably consistent: sound engineering, well- supported installers and systems designed to perform over the long term.


As the industry enters its next phase, those fundamentals will matter more than ever. The transition to low-carbon heating will not be defined solely by the speed of adoption, but by the quality and reliability of the systems being installed today. Change is inevitable, but consistency remains one of the most valuable assets of all.


BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER FEBRUARY 2026 13


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40