PHAM NEWS | MARCH 2026 28 Radiators & Towel Warmers
Taking sustainability more seriously
Sustainability and lifecycle costs have become increasingly important to clients and customers when it comes to product selection. Phillip Conroy, national sales and key account manager at Zehnder Group UK, looks at how manufacturing, materials and packaging can all make a diff erence to providing a solution that will meet a customer’s expectations.
S
ustainability has moved well beyond being a trend in heating – it’s now a necessity. For some
in the industry it’s a personal mission, while for others it’s about meeting legislation, cutting energy waste, and managing costs. Whatever the motivation, sustainability is now fi rmly embedded in how heating systems are designed, installed and used. For plumbing and heating professionals, the question is: how do radiators contribute to this shift? A common misconception
made about radiator effi ciency is that all radiators are 100% effi cient in converting energy into heat. Actually, it is their eff ectiveness (rather than effi ciency) in extracting heat from the heating system and delivering it into the space that varies. Some radiators provide higher heat output per unit size, but this should not be confused with greater energy effi ciency. What really matters for sustainability is how radiators perform in diff erent heating scenarios – not simply whether they hold onto heat.
Low temperatures Another common misconception is that radiators are poorly suited to low-temperature systems such as air source heat pumps, but most modern radiators are well-matched and can even off er greater comfort and faster responsiveness compared with alternatives such as underfl oor heating. As UK Building Regulations, such as Approved Document Part L, push the adoption of low-temperature systems, the ability of radiators to optimally perform under these conditions is critical. The choice of material also
plays a role. Aluminium radiators heat up and cool down quickly, which is useful where occupancy patterns change frequently. By contrast, steel radiators provide thermal inertia, helping maintain a steady thermal output. The amount of radiant heat given
at end of life. Products designed to last longer also mean fewer replacements, saving resources over the long term, further strengthening sustainability credentials.
Phillip Conroy National sales and key account manager at Zehnder Group UK
from a radiator (in comparison to the amount of convected heat) will infl uence both the reaction times of the heating system and room as well as potentially achieving comparable comfort levels with air temperatures 1-2 degrees lower.
Product lifecycle For installers and specifi ers, it’s important to remember that sustainability doesn’t just begin when the radiator is fi tted – it starts with manufacturing and continues through the entire product lifecycle. Progressive manufacturers are reducing their carbon footprint in many ways, from switching to renewable energy sources in production and rethinking processes that make a measurable diff erence. The Zehnder Charleston
multicolumn radiator, for example, is manufactured using laser welding instead of conventional electro-resistance welding. This approach not only lowers energy use, but also cuts water consumption and eliminates the need for installers to spend additional time fl ushing out waste created by more traditional welds – delivering a cleaner, more effi cient and ultimately more sustainable outcome. Materials are another factor.
Steel and aluminium radiators typically contain a high proportion of recycled content, and they can all be recycled again
Packaging and waste Beyond manufacturing, installers are becoming increasingly aware of packaging waste, and so are customers. With plastic taxes and disposal costs climbing, many manufacturers are moving to recyclable or recycled packaging – and in some cases eliminating plastic altogether. Sustainable packaging is not just an environmental responsibility; it makes fi nancial sense for businesses throughout the supply chain. For those looking to dig deeper
into environmental impact, tools such as CIBSE TM65, Product Environmental Passports (PEPs), Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) are available. These frameworks help assess sustainability credentials, though direct comparisons can be tricky. Reputable brands will always be open with their data and certifi cation – so don’t be afraid to ask for them!
Why it matters The takeaway is clear: quality, durability, and long-term value are key markers for choosing the right radiator for the job, but top sustainability credentials and compliance is the icing on the cake. Customers increasingly expect sustainable solutions, and by choosing the right products, installers can provide systems that perform better, last longer, and keep running costs down. Looking ahead, sustainability
will defi ne heating and plumbing for years to come. For those who choose to embrace it now by understanding how radiators fi t into low-carbon heating systems and by choosing responsibly manufactured products will be better placed to meet both today’s regulations and tomorrow’s customer expectations. ◼
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The Zehnder Tetris towel radiator has been designed to ensure an even distribution of heat
The Charleston multicolumn radiator is manufactured using laser welding
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