NEWS & APPOINTMENTS
Schools face heating decarbonisation challenge as policy and funding landscape shifts
A new report from heating and hot water solutions provider Baxi maps the regulations, grants and practical considerations shaping the move to low- carbon heating across the UK education estate. Schools across the UK are facing growing pressure
to decarbonise heating systems as policy expectations evolve, funding routes shift and ageing estates continue to compete for limited investment.
Decarbonising the Education Estate – Policy and Regulatory Landscape, commissioned by Baxi and prepared by Talan UK and Ireland, maps the regulations, funding opportunities and practical considerations shaping the move to low-carbon heating across the UK education estate.
The education sector is responsible for 37% of all public sector emissions, making school estates a significant part of the UK’s journey to net zero. Much of that challenge sits within the buildings themselves, as heating and powering school buildings account for 27% of emissions.[1]
As 87% of schools continue to rely on gas as their primary heating source, improving
energy efficiency and planning for lower-carbon heat will be central to reducing emissions across the education estate. The guide explores the overarching policy frameworks and the funding and regulatory levers designed to help schools decarbonise, including:
• The Department for Education’s Education Estates Strategy • The Future Buildings Standard • The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme • The Condition Improvement Fund • School Condition Allocations • Great British Energy initiatives
Cost and condition pressures add to the constraints caused by emissions alone, with ageing buildings and competing investment priorities restricting schools from modernising their heating systems. Jeff House, director of policy and external affairs at Baxi, said: “Schools are being asked to cut emissions while managing rising energy costs, ageing buildings and intense pressure on capital budgets. Heating is one of the most practical places to start, but it is also one of the areas where schools need the clearest advice. “Policy is moving in the right direction, and new funding routes are beginning to emerge. What schools need now is practical guidance that helps them understand which options are available, what is likely to work for their estate and how to plan upgrades in a way that supports carbon, cost and comfort goals.” According to the report, heat pumps can reduce carbon emissions by between 55% and 65% compared with an A-rated boiler. Hybrid heating solutions, which combine gas boilers and heat pumps, are another stepping stone for schools striving to reduce emissions amid tightened budgets. Download the report at
https://www.baxi.co.uk/commercial/help-and-advice/ knowledge-hub/
BSRIA launches essential guide to Building Regulations
In response to major changes to Building Regulations BSRIA has published BG 92/2026 Building Regulations, a new guide to help building services engineers, designers and contractors navigate complex compliance needs.
Building Regulations are legal requirements supported by guidance in 24 Approved Documents. BG 92/2026 brings these together in an easy-to-follow guide. It covers Parts A to T and the key legislative differences across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It’s an essential and practical resource throughout design and construction phases. BG 92/2026 sets out new and upcoming changes to Building Regulations. Under the new Part L, for example, gas boilers will not be permitted in new homes. Heat pumps and heat networks will become standard, while PV panels will be required in most new dwellings.
Legislation and compliance updated There have also been recent changes to Part B, including guidance on evacuation alerts and indicating equipment in new blocks of flats over 18 metres. Guidance on providing a second escape stair in such buildings will begin to take effect in September 2026. BG 92/2026 also explains the Building Safety Act 2022, including the three gateway stages, dutyholder responsibilities and the golden thread of building information. It also covers the revised Approved Document F, which starts to come into effect in 2027. New airflow testing and UKAS calibration rules apply, and for testing and commissioning specialists, this is live compliance territory. BG 92/2026 also covers Part O overheating requirements, Part S electric vehicle charging provisions, and Part T single-sex toilet accommodation rules introduced in 2024. David Bleicher, publications manager, BSRIA, said: ‘Building Regulations changes this year are stacking up in a way that makes it harder to manage than usual. Our BG 92/2026 guide provides a clear account of how Building Regulations work, outlines key requirements and guidance, and signposts to government websites and documents with the details. It’s essential for anyone working in the built environment.’ Get the guide at
https://www.bsria.com/uk/product/rgo4mr/
4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2026 Appointments EUA welcomes new President
Following its AGM, leading energy trade body, Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), has announced its new President. Henrik Juhl Hansen, managing director of Vaillant Group UK & Ireland, and a senior industry leader at the forefront of shaping the energy transition, takes the helm for the next 12 months. Welcoming the election of the new President, Mike Foster the chief executive of EUA said: “Henrik is a strong advocate for a pragmatic, whole-system approach to decarbonising heat. He believes that there is no single solution, and that progress will depend on a balanced mix of technologies, supported by clear policy, long-term investment and a resilient energy system. This is the very essence of what EUA calls for. “Henrik has already played a key role in the rebranding of EUA and we look forward to building upon our strengths, guided by his 30 years of international leadership, to make sure EUA remains the body where the whole of the heating industry is given a voice.” The new President of EUA, Henrik Juhl Hansen said: “I look forward to the fresh challenge of being President of EUA, a trade body that can look back over 100 years of history and looks forward to meeting the challenges of the energy transition. Working with over 250 member companies is a privilege and a great responsibility as we drive forward with the changes the UK needs in adapting to a low carbon future.”
Glamox appoints chief sales & commercial officer
Glamox has appointed Kenneth Grönholm as chief sales & commercial officer for professional building solutions (PBS) and a member of the Glamox group leadership team. Kenneth brings more than 30 years of international leadership experience from Philips and Signify, where he has held senior commercial leadership roles across Europe and Latin America. Most recently, he served as EVP commercial leader Europe & Latin America for Signify’s consumer business and president of Signify Nordics, leading a €500 million business portfolio. Throughout his career, Kenneth has successfully led commercial transformation, profitable growth, digital business development and organisational change. He is recognised for his customer-focused, people-centred leadership style, strategic mindset and ability to build high- performing teams and strong customer relationships. Astrid Simonsen Joos, Group chief executive of Glamox said: “We are delighted to welcome Kenneth to Glamox. He combines deep commercial expertise with extensive international leadership experience and a strong track record of delivering profitable growth. As we continue to execute our strategy and strengthen our Commercial Excellence journey, I am confident he will help further develop our PBS business, strengthen our customer focus and create value for our customers.” Kenneth will work closely with Knut during the transition period to ensure continuity for customers, employees and business partners.
Zehnder appoints new sales manager to drive HVAC growth
Zehnder Group UK has appointed Neil Atkins as its new framework & distribution national sales manager, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experience and driving strategic growth across its framework and distribution channels. In his new role, Neil will be responsible for leading Zehnder’s framework & distribution sales strategy, strengthening relationships with key customers, designers, developers, and partners, while supporting growth across the business. Working closely with the commercial director and wider commercial team, he will help deliver the company’s long-term sales objectives while ensuring customers continue to receive industry-leading service and support. Having built an impressive career in the HVAC sector, Neil brings extensive experience in sales leadership, business development and account management. His commercial expertise and strategic approach will be key as Zehnder drives growth moving forward. Stuart Smith, commercial director at Zehnder Group UK, said: “Neil joins Zehnder at an exciting time for the business. His proven ability to build strong customer relationships and lead high-performing sales teams will play an important role as we continue to expand our distribution channels and support our ventilation division long-term growth plans.” As the new Sales Manager, Neil will focus on executing sales and service objectives, deliver growth targets and maintain strong relationships across the industry. Collaborating closely with sales, marketing, technical, finance and other divisions across the Zehnder Group, Neil will be ensuring projects are delivered to the highest standards.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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