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he UK Government has recently announced plans to construct 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, prioritising areas


near commuter hubs. With domestic heating already accounting for 14% of carbon emissions, the UK also faces a significant challenge in decarbonising its housing stock. There is currently a focus on heat pumps to meet


Government Net Zero targets and decarbonise homes. However, given the current space constraints in urban areas, these new homes are likely to consist of smaller units, such as flats and multi-occupancy buildings, which may be unsuitable for heat pumps. By incorporating a range of heating solutions, housebuilders can effectively navigate two major challenges faced by the construction industry.


Tackling space and sustainability


A look at 20 popular London commuter hubs, including Slough, Gravesend, and Crawley, shows that the majority (65%) are towns, with five being cities and two villages. Many towns, particularly those near train stations, have a higher proportion of flats and terraced houses where space constraints are a concern. Heat pumps require pipework, radiators, and bulky external condenser units, which presents potential challenges to smaller homes as well as costly installation and maintenance. There is a need for efficient and low-carbon heating systems that consider both space and sustainability. Infrared heat panels offer a practical alternative to larger heating units, ideal for smaller properties. Ambion’s infrared heating system, for example, provides a space-saving, efficient, and cost-effective solution for urban housing, addressing key challenges faced by the construction industry.


Domestic heating is a significant contributor to the UK’s carbon footprint, alongside power generation and transportation. The Government has adopted a versatile approach to decarbonise power and transportation, encouraging a range of technologies. However, for domestic heating, while electrification is the likely route to decarbonising homes, there has been limited exploration of alternative solutions. A sole reliance on heat pumps risks leaving properties either unable to decarbonise, or facing lengthy and expensive modifications to adapt.


The Future Homes Standard


The Future Homes Standard (FHS) aims to transform new homes in the UK from 2025 onwards, cutting carbon emissions by 75-80% compared to current standards and contributing significantly to net zero goals. This new standard will challenge the construction industry to adopt new technologies, enhance skills, and embrace sustainable practices for new builds. While the adoption of green technologies such as solar panels and battery storage is a


Above: Oliver Baker, chief executive of Ambion Heating


Smart heating future-proofs urban living in commuter hubs


As the government sets ambitious plans to construct an additional 1.5 million homes near commuter hubs, Oliver Baker, chief executive of Ambion Heating, looks at the role of smart heating in supporting housebuilders to achieve both housing and carbon reduction targets


positive step for Net Zero and clean energy goals, the prioritisation of a single heating technology requiring specialist installation and ongoing maintenance presents a potential bottleneck. If the UK is to build 1.5 million Net Zero-


ready homes within five years, a broad range of technologies must be readily available to help housebuilders meet the FHS and the Government’s housing targets on time. Developing targeting incentives for alternative heating systems could also support the industry in this effort.


A practical and effective solution


Low-carbon heating solutions that directly address the needs of housebuilders by offering several benefits that help manage budget and time constraints while enhancing comfort and control for end-users will be crucial. For urban living spaces, effective and affordable heating systems that have a slim design are essential. For example, Ambion’s infrared heat panels have no bulky boilers, heat pump units or wet delivery systems, taking up minimal space in the property while ensuring residents remain comfortable. Since infrared heat panels use mains wiring, they can be easily installed by any qualified electrician, reducing any potential slowdown to installing low-carbon heating where specialist training is required. Installation costs are also typically lower than latest-generation storage heaters and heat pumps, even with Government grants to support uptake.


Data insights and integration


A control system uses pulsing algorithms, which seamlessly integrates with renewable energy


sources, such as solar panels, and smart tariffs. The software spreads heat demand evenly across 24 hours, saving energy and ensuring a low and even load with no spikes, as well as switching heaters on at different intervals to further reduce load. Understanding when and where energy is used


can help residents and social housing providers reduce energy costs and consumption. The system provides data on actual and target temperatures, energy use and cost. This data can be displayed by heater, room or zone available on the control panel and on a remote ‘dashboard’. Independent testing conducted at Energy House


2.0, a research collaboration among The University of Salford, housebuilders Bellway Homes and Barratt Developments working with construction solutions provider Saint-Gobain, validates the comfort and control capabilities.


Embracing the future of smart heating


There is an urgent need for efficient and low- carbon heating systems that factor in space as well as sustainability. An infrared heat panel system offers a practical alternative to larger heating methods for smaller properties. With heat pumps failing to provide a one-size-fit solution, the UK construction industry must look to other alternatives.


The building supply chain and housing providers


play a pivotal role in growing the economy. Yet, they are also facing increasing pressure to construct future-proof homes that meet new standards. With simple and smart heating systems, building services professionals can achieve their environmental goals, manage costs effectively, and develop comfortable urban housing.


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