HEAT PUMPS Copper and heat pumps
The Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP), a group advocating for responsible material specifi cation in the built environment, highlights copper’s ability to meet evolving performance metrics with minimal environmental or design compromise.
T
he transition to low-carbon heating in the UK is gathering pace. As heat pump installations increase in response to tightening
environmental regulations and net-zero targets, attention is shifting to the materials and system design strategies that can support long-term performance, resilience and safety. With the Future Homes Standard (FHS) set to come into force in 2025 and the Home Energy Model (HEM) poised to redefi ne how compliance is assessed, there is a renewed focus on system components that contribute not only to effi ciency but also to durability and risk mitigation. In this context, copper is reasserting its value in hydronic heat pump applications across both new build and retrofi t projects.
Material performance under operational pressure Heat pumps operate by transferring thermal energy from a source, such as air, ground, or water, into a building, thereby eliminating the need for fossil fuel combustion. Their performance relies heavily on the quality and behaviour of the components around them, particularly distribution pipework, where thermal transfer and mechanical stresses converge. Copper’s high thermal conductivity ensures rapid
and effi cient heat exchange between the circulating fl uid and the emitters, reducing system response times and improving seasonal performance factors. It retains this effi ciency even under higher fl ow temperatures or variable load conditions, a helpful trait where heat pump systems are integrated with legacy radiators or uninsulated pipe routes. Mechanical strength is another core advantage. Copper withstands sustained internal pressure without deformation, sagging or joint failure. This reliability is paramount where working pressures are elevated, such as in systems using high- temperature refrigerants or where long pipe runs increase hydraulic demand. Compared to polymer-based alternatives, copper systems also exhibit better dimensional stability over time, making them easier to commission and
24 July 2025 •
www.acr-news.com
maintain within original design parameters, which has signifi cant implications for long-term energy effi ciency, lifecycle cost, and compliance with evolving SAP and FHS calculations.
A passive contribution to fi re safety As regulatory pressure mounts for better fi re safety performance in residential and public buildings, especially those undergoing energy retrofi ts, pipework materials are under renewed scrutiny. Campaigns such as Plastic Under Fire have drawn industry attention to the risks posed by fl ammable polymer pipes, particularly in vertical risers, service voids and communal heating circuits. Plastic pipes can ignite at temperatures as low as 210°C. When they burn, they release a range of harmful gases, including hydrogen chloride, which can signifi cantly impair visibility and respiratory function during a fi re. The majority of fi re-related fatalities in buildings are associated not with burns but with smoke inhalation, an issue that system designers and installers are increasingly expected to address at source. In contrast, copper is non-combustible and does not emit toxic fumes in fi re conditions. It retains its structural integrity even under extreme
heat, helping to maintain barrier integrity in compartmented installations and preventing the progressive spread of fi re. For heat pump systems — which may involve pipework in concealed voids, lofts or risers — specifying copper provides a passive layer of protection that contributes to regulatory compliance and life safety outcomes. As such, the material choice is no longer just a question of thermal or cost performance but a broader risk consideration that aligns with Approved Document B and the expectations of clients operating under tighter governance.
Aligning with regulations The Future Homes Standard and the Home Energy Model are expected to shift industry benchmarks for heating system performance, carbon intensity and durability. Heat pump technology is at the centre of this realignment, but as the supporting infrastructure comes under closer technical and legislative review, pipework and system specifi cation choices will play a more prominent role.
Copper’s proven technical characteristics, adaptability and lifecycle benefi ts place it in a strong position to support that transition.
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