PHAM NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2026 Pipes, Fittings& Valves
The case for copper in Britain’s low-carbon heating future
As the UK accelerates heat pump adoption to meet its net zero targets, copper is emerging as a critical enabler of the transition. It off ers the durability, effi ciency and recyclability needed to deliver truly sustainable, future-ready heating systems, says Andrew Surtees of the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP).
T
he UK government has reached a pivotal point regarding its commitment to sustainability as the
country edges closer to the target of a net zero future by 2050. As part of this commitment,
homes across the country are set to benefi t from several government strategies to enhance domestic energy effi ciency, cut energy bills and upgrade their heating facilities. The government’s £15 billion
Warm Homes Plan aims to upgrade up to fi ve million homes by 2030 meaning major ramifi cations for the construction, retrofi tting, and development sectors. To achieve this objective
of decarbonising domestic heating nationwide, low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps are rapidly becoming central to both new-build and retrofi t housing strategies. However, alongside this transition, there must be greater engagement with industry leaders on how best to integrate sustainable building measures, such as copper, into these systems to ensure the delivery of a truly green and dependable service.
Copper focus Government mandates don’t guarantee success on their own and a greater understanding at a sector level of the materials used to underpin these systems is essential. Copper, in particular, should remain central to any sustainable heating strategy. The case for copper is
compelling for both new build housing and retrofi tting. It is a historic and universally proven high-performance solution that is not only compliant with today’s standards but resilient to tomorrow’s energy challenges. Crucially, copper is also
infi nitely recyclable without loss of performance, making it a cornerstone material for a circular economy and a truly sustainable heating future.
Heat pump installations Heat pumps represent the frontline of the UK’s decarbonisation strategy. But if the UK is serious about lowering emissions, improving energy effi ciency, and building homes that last, then copper must sit at the heart of this heat pump revolution.
Andrew Surtees Co-founder, Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP)
They work by transferring heat
It is a historic and universally proven high-performance solution that is not only compliant with today’s standards but resilient to
tomorrow’s energy challenges
from the air, ground or water into a building, off ering a highly effi cient alternative to traditional heating methods. Copper’s superior thermal conductivity and durability under pressure make them a natural choice to be used for heat pump systems. Integrating copper ensures
that these systems both meet and exceed performance metrics. Plus, durability and compatibility with various technologies provide unparalleled versatility, ensuring that developers can adapt to future updates in legislation or energy models
Copper and plastic in the same system
without signifi cant overhauls. Unlike plastic pipes, copper
enables rapid and effi cient heat transfer, ensuring that heat pumps operate at peak performance, even in high- demand or colder environments. Withstanding higher pressures and temperatures with ease, copper provides the mechanical resilience needed for safer systems. Crucially, copper also eliminates fi re risks associated with plastic pipes.
Under fi re The Copper Sustainability Partnership’s (CuSP) Plastic
Copper can be a cornerstone of safe, effi cient and sustainable heating systems
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Under Fire campaign reveals that plastic pipe materials can ignite at temperatures as low as 210°C, releasing highly toxic fumes including hydrogen chloride gas, which poses serious health risks and complicates fi re safety in buildings. Copper is non-combustible,
does not emit toxic smoke and maintains its structural integrity even in extreme heat conditions. Toxic fumes released from burning plastic are a major contributor to fi re- related fatalities, accounting for approximately 60-70% of deaths in building fi re incidents. Using copper piping
dramatically reduces these risks, helping to safeguard occupants and improve fi re safety compliance in both residential and commercial heat pump installations. With the UK seeing a 63% increase in hydronic heat pump sales in 2024 and aiming for 600,000 annual installations by 2028, the infrastructure supporting these systems is under intense scrutiny. Heat pumps supported by copper piping are not just a choice, they’re a necessity for achieving long-term reliability and effi ciency. The Copper Sustainability
Partnership’s latest campaign, Would You Trust Plastic With That, goes into even greater detail of the dangers of plastic within the home and highlights the importance of using materials that can genuinely stay in use, be recovered, and be recycled again and again.
The future Ultimately, achieving the UK’s net zero ambitions will depend not only on policy and technology, but on selecting materials that can genuinely stay in use, be recovered, and be infi nitely recycled. By prioritising copper within both new-build and retrofi t projects, the sector can unlock greater effi ciency, durability and sustainability in heat pump systems. This approach will help deliver reliable, future-ready homes that meet environmental targets while providing long- term value for residents. ◼
phamnews.co.uk/726/65
CUT TO THE CHASE
UK net zero goals driving large-scale home heating upgrades
Heat pumps depend on copper for efficient low-carbon system performance
Copper provides durability, safety and recyclability in modern heating systems
Copper outperforms plastic in heat resistance and fire safety applications
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