NEWS
AI retrofits could cut heating waste by 30%, say experts
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s the heating season begins, energy efficiency experts warn that heating, responsible for 32% of building energy use, still wastes energy on empty rooms and overshooting systems. They say AI- driven “soft retrofits” can cut heating waste by up to 30% within weeks.
In North America and Europe, radiators and boilers are gradually being switched on for the first time this season. Heating, in fact, is the largest single load for most commercial buildings, consuming approximately 32% of total energy. As energy use will hit its peak in the coming winter months, experts say that in too many cases, instead of adapting, systems heat empty spaces and collide with cooling units, or overshoot by several degrees. According to Exergio, a company that develops AI-driven optimisation tools for commercial buildings, this waste is predictable and could be prevented if we are aware of solutions other than deep renovations of technology overhaul. “Many countries didn’t learn from their summer mistakes. When heatwaves hit, air conditioners exposed how poorly many systems were set up,” said Donatas Karčiauskas, chief executive of Exergio (pictured). “This winter, heating will show the same flaws, and we’re sure most businesses are still not prepared. We need systems that respond to occupancy and weather shifts, not ones that waste energy because they lag behind.” That waste is visible in every sector, Karčiauskas adds. Heating, cooling, and ventilation can take up to 60% of a commercial building’s energy use, yet most systems run
inefficiently, wasting large amounts of power. Karčiauskas argues that better control is already available for building managers: they need to cut heating in unused areas and connect HVAC to occupancy and door sensors. Also, some action areas are to stop thermostats from overshooting, and use weather-aware systems to pre- heat just before cold snaps. “Winter energy waste isn’t hidden, and absolutely predictable. AI finally gives building managers that ability,” he added. “The real barrier is acting on it minute by minute.” Karčiauskas explained that traditional retrofits, such as insulation projects, façade upgrades, or boiler replacements, take years to plan and carry out, while digital optimisation avoids that delay. It connects to the energy systems already running in a building and adjusts them daily to match occupancy and weather, preventing waste before it builds up. “We call it a soft retrofit,” Karčiauskas said. “No extra construction, no disruption, no deep renovations are needed in this case. It’s all in optimisation.”
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Heat pump sector to unite in new unified trade body, HPA UK
arking a pivotal move for the UK’s low carbon heating industry, members of the Heat Pump Association (HPA), Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA), and Heat Pump Federation (HPF) have officially committed to merge into a single, unified Heat Pump Trade Body; Heat Pump Association UK (HPA UK). Launching in January 2026, this organisation will bring the sector
together to provide one voice. With heating accounting for approximately 25% of the UK’s carbon emissions in 2023, accelerating the transition to low carbon heating across the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors is vital to reducing carbon emissions but also to deliver cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy to British homes and businesses. The merger marks the growth and maturity of the sector, as it readies to play its role in accelerating the deployment of heat pumps and low-carbon heat networks to enhance the UK’s energy security by reducing our dependence on volatile overseas gas markets.
By streamlining governance and combining decades of expertise, the new body will provide:
• Strong, consistent representation to government and stakeholders • Clear messaging and greater visibility for heat pumps • Streamlined governance and enhanced services for members • A single point of contact for industry collaboration and engagement
To celebrate this unification, the HPA, which will rebrand as HPA UK in January 2026, is offering free membership for the remainder of 2025 to all new members who commit to a membership for the 2026 calendar year. This offer is designed to welcome new voices to the united body ahead of the launch, and showcase the value of the Association.
Commenting on the announcement, Emma Bohan, Vice Chair of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association said, “Having received an overwhelming mandate from our members, I am delighted that the GHSPA will be uniting with the HPA and the HPF into one powerful voice for the heat pump sector. For ground source, it means stronger advocacy, clearer messaging, and a seat at every table where low-carbon heating decisions are made.” Mark Wilkins, Chair of the Heat Pump Association said, ‘We are delighted to have received a unanimous mandate from our members to deliver a strong, unified Heat Pump Trade Body for the sector. We are in a pivotal time for the UK heat pump market which has shown strong growth over recent years, and it’s time to stand together to collectively navigate the future of heating in the UK.’ Bean Beanland, Director for Growth & External Affairs, “The merger of the heat pump trade bodies demonstrates the ambition that the sector has to support Ministers and policy makers in pursuit of an increasingly bold approach to the electrification of heat across the domestic residential, commercial building and industrial markets. Decarbonisation, economic growth and national energy security are interwoven, with heat pump technologies core to all three, and to the country’s long term prosperity.” To sign up for your free membership for the rest of 2025, visit: https://www.heatpumps.
org.uk/membership/application-for-hpa-uk-membership-form-2/
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10/11/23 16:13 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2025 5
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