Thermal imaging of low carbon heating system LOW CARBON HEATING/HVAC
A well-designed low carbon heating system paired with poor detailing will struggle to work efficiently. On the other hand, careful consideration of structure, balcony connections, façade attachments and green roof systems can significantly improve overall building performance.
EFFICIENCY
CLOSING THE GAP ON BUILDING PERFORMANCE
The UK’s legally binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 68% against 1990 levels by 2030 is becoming a pressing goal. The question is not just whether we have
solutions, but if we are implementing them effectively enough to stay on course. Paul Beech, general manager of thermal break specialist Armatherm, explains why attention to thermal bridging is essential to achieving meaningful progress
L
ow carbon heating and HVAC systems have become central in the conversation surrounding
decarbonisation. We’ve seen a rise in the amount of air and ground source heat pumps, the electrification of heating, improved building management systems and smarter controls. These technologies promise lower operational emissions, reduced reliance on fossil fuels and improved long-term efficiency, however their success is not determined by technology alone. Performance is linked to the building envelope, continuous insulation and the finer details of design and specification. As the industry shifts its
focus from simply generating heat differently to reducing the overall demand for it, attention is turning to the building envelope and the hidden pathways that contribute to energy loss. Thermal bridging is a key example. Often underestimated, these pathways can significantly undermine the performance of otherwise well-designed low carbon systems. Heat
www.essmag.co.uk
loss through structural connections, penetrations and interfaces increases energy demand and usage, placing additional load on heating and cooling systems that are intended to operate efficiently. In this context, thermal breaks play a quiet, yet
“By interrupting the
transfer of heat through structural elements, thermal breaks help maintain the integrity of the building envelope and support the performance of low carbon HVAC systems”
pivotal, role. By interrupting the transfer of heat through structural elements, they help maintain the integrity of the building envelope and support the performance of low carbon HVAC systems. When heat pumps are specified, for example, they are most effective in highly insulated, airtight environments. Unchecked thermal bridging in these applications leads to higher operational energy use and, in some cases, condensation risks that can compromise performance, occupant health and durability. The effectiveness of
thermal breaks is not just about reducing heat loss, it is about enabling systems to operate as intended. ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Spring 2026 31
The 2025 progress assessments have reinforced the need for consistency between ambitious goals and the reality of meeting them. Performance gaps between design and completed buildings continue to challenge emission reduction efforts, with thermal bridging flying under the radar and often completely overlooked. We see this especially in projects such as modular and offside builds, where the structures rate highly for efficiency as separate elements, but little consideration is taken for the thermal bridging created once those structural elements are joined together. Addressing these gaps requires more understanding of how systems, materials and detailing interact. Thermal breaks, though small, contribute to this broader objective by reducing avoidable heat transfer and supporting compliance with increasingly stringent regulations. As efficiency continues to move higher up the
agenda, specification decisions are put under the microscope and scrutinised, with designers balancing operational savings against material choices, durability and long-term performance. High-performance insulation materials, like structural thermal breaks, can help to ensure that low carbon systems are not compensating for preventable energy losses. The emphasis and priorities seem to be slowly shifting from isolated product performance to whole-building outcomes. It is worth recognising that no single intervention,
product or solution will deliver the 68% reduction required alone. The journey towards 2030 depends on an industry-wide effort and coordinated approach. However, thoughtful integration of thermal breaks can help lock in the gains achieved by wider changes and additions. Staying on course will demand that the industry
looks beyond leading, efficient solutions, to the supporting components that enable them to function efficiently. The 2030 target is certainly ambitious, but not unattainable, and the tools are available and the direction is set. The challenge lies in ensuring each and every element of a building, from primary heating to even the smallest structural connection, contributes positively to the overall efforts of efficiency and continuous insulation.
Armatherm
www.armatherm.com
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