NEWS
Caspian®
Fan
Convectors - providing heating comfort
Non-domestic buildings risk being overlooked despite £40bn+ decarbonisation drive
Commercial and public buildings risk being left behind in the UK’s transition to net zero despite more than £40bn of funding, investment and policy support being directed towards building decarbonisation, according to the latest Policy Pulse report from the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA). The new report highlights a wave of fresh funding commitments, regulatory reforms and performance standards designed to improve building efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. However, while significant support is being directed towards domestic retrofit and wider decarbonisation initiatives, BCIA is calling for greater clarity around the future policy framework for non-domestic buildings. Across the policy developments examined in the report, a consistent theme emerges
-greater emphasis on building performance, operational outcomes, electrification and data-driven decision making. New regulations in Wales, the introduction of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard and the forthcoming Future Buildings Standard all strengthen the role of intelligent building controls in delivering compliant, high-performing buildings. The report also highlights a growing shift towards performance-led funding models, creating opportunities for technologies capable of demonstrating measurable energy savings and ROI. However, despite the positive direction of travel, BCIA says a critical policy gap remains for non-domestic buildings. While the Warm Homes Plan sets out a long-term strategy for domestic decarbonisation backed by £15bn investment, no equivalent framework has yet been established for non- domestic buildings, despite their substantial contribution to UK energy use and emissions. The association is urging policymakers to ensure commercial and public buildings are fully integrated into future decarbonisation strategies and funding mechanisms. Jen Vickers, President of the Building Controls Industry Association, said: ‘The scale of investment and policy activity currently being directed towards decarbonisation demonstrates just how important buildings have become in the UK’s net zero strategy. ‘Across funding, regulation and performance standards, we are seeing a clear shift
towards smarter, more efficient buildings that can demonstrate measurable outcomes. This creates significant opportunities for building controls, which play a critical role in reducing energy consumption, improving operational performance and supporting carbon reduction.
‘If the UK is to achieve its decarbonisation ambitions, future policy frameworks must
fully recognise the role of non-domestic buildings and the technologies, such as building controls, that can help unlock substantial energy and carbon savings.’ The report highlights a strong growth outlook for the building controls sector in 2026,
with regulation, rising energy costs and evolving funding models all expected to drive increased adoption. As policymakers place greater emphasis on building performance and operational outcomes, controls are becoming embedded as a core requirement. At the same time, organisations are increasingly seeking technologies that can deliver measurable savings and a clear return on investment, positioning building controls as a key enabler of both commercial performance and net zero delivery. Rather than a specialist solution, controls are rapidly becoming essential infrastructure within the built environment.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
FOR MORE INFORMATION
01245 324900 |
sales@smithsep.co.uk SmithsEP.co.uk | @SmithsEP_UK | #ThinkSmiths
A single heating solution for a variety of applications - high, low or ceiling mounted installation
- Compatible with most types of wet central heating systems, functioning equally efficiently with conventional boilers, biomass technology or heat pumps
- EC only fans for improved efficiency - Free 5 year warranty - Manufactured in the UK
- Available with Smart control to further improve efficiency and flexibility, with remote monitoring and control via an app
- New 750mm version available
Smiths EP hp BSEE
May26.indd 1
2/4/26 12:59 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2026 5
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
