PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2025 Renewable Energy 21


Partnership and leadership needed in a time of change


As the UK pushes toward net zero, heating is coming under growing regulatory pressure and customer demand. Hamid Salimi from Daikin explains why this is not just a challenge, but a pivotal opportunity to lead the change.


H


eating and hot water represent nearly 40% of the UK’s energy use and contribute


close to a third of its greenhouse gas emissions. The scale of the challenge is vast, but so is the opportunity for meaningful change. Traditional gas boilers, while familiar and effi cient in combustion, rely on fossil fuels that are no longer sustainable in a world where every tonne of CO2 counts.


The transition to low-carbon heating technologies is no longer a theoretical goal. It’s an active mission, driven by both regulatory timelines, such as the Future Homes Standard and EPC targets for private landlords, and customer demand for greener living. While much of the industry’s attention has rightly focused on meeting new minimum effi ciency standards and phasing out fossil fuel systems in new builds, there’s a danger in simply aiming for compliance. Meeting regulations is essential but leading the market means going further, seeking solutions that are not just ‘allowed’ under policy, but aligned with where the industry is heading. This is particularly important in the retrofi t market, which presents one of the biggest and most complex challenges. Replacing millions of legacy systems in older properties with low-carbon alternatives will require not only new products but a new mindset, with a whole-system thinking that considers building fabric, heat


The industry needs strong, forward- thinking


partnerships built on deep expertise, practical support and shared ambition


loss, and occupant behaviour alongside the choice of heat source.


Hamid Salimi Product manager at Daikin


Onboarding skills One of the most signifi cant hurdles is the skills gap. Many heating engineers and plumbers are highly experienced with gas boilers but haven’t had the same exposure to technologies like heat pumps or hybrid systems. As demand grows, so does the need for accessible, practical training, not only in installation but in system design and commissioning. Bridging the skills gap is essential. That’s why initiatives like Daikin’s free training for over 6,000 installers in 2024 are so vital – not just for technical profi ciency, but for building confi dence in low- carbon solutions. Empowering consumers with clear, jargon-free advice is key. Trusted installers and merchants must become


educators, helping clients navigate choices and understand the long-term benefi ts of sustainable heating To fulfi l that role, the HVAC industry must embrace clear, jargon-free communication, and be willing to challenge assumptions. For example, many still believe that heat pumps are only viable for new builds or homes with underfl oor heating, but with proper design and installation, they are highly eff ective even in older, hard-to-heat homes, especially when paired with insulation upgrades. The heating sector has always evolved, moving from open fi res to back boilers, from gravity-fed systems to combi boilers. The next leap, toward sustainable, low-carbon heating, will be just as transformative, but it’s a shift that calls for collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking.


The Discovery Series is coming to a venue near you


The Discovery Series is Daikin’s regional event programme aimed at strengthening ties with UK commercial heating and cooling installers. Running from 4 September to 9 October 2025, the series features 11 events across England, Scotland, and the Channel Islands. The events will feature focused presentations


on Daikin’s latest innovations and services, including: • D-carbonise with Daikin, covering the


products and services available, as well as the D-carbonise Partner programme designed to support installers’ own decarbonisation journeys • Total solutions showcase including VRV5,


CZHT, and water source technologies • Introduction to the Partner with Confi dence


programme and its benefi ts • Advanced workshop services including


blygolding, wrap and rebuild off erings


The Discovery Series runs across multiple regions:


• Midlands: Sutton Coldfi eld (4th September), Nottingham (2nd October) • Channel Islands: Jersey (9th September), Guernsey (11th September)


• Northern England: Leeds (17th September), Liverpool (9th October)


• London: North London (17th September) • Scotland: Edinburgh (18th September) • Southern England: Basingstoke (18th September), Royal Tunbridge Wells (24th September), Bath (30th September)


For more information and to register for the Daikin Discovery Series, please use the online reader link below. ◼phamnews.co.uk/925/35


CUT TO THE CHASE


 Heating and hot water cause ~40% of UK energy use and ~1/3 emissions


 Transitioning to low-carbon heating is urgent, driven by regulations and consumer demand


 Retrofit market challenges require whole-system thinking: fabric, heat loss, behaviour and heat source


 A skills gap among installers requires practical training in heat pumps and hybrid systems


 Clear communication and collaboration will empower the industry to lead the low-carbon shift


Seize the opportunity This shift isn’t just about adopting new technologies – it’s about embracing a new mindset. For installers, specifi ers, and merchants, it’s a unique chance to lead a movement that’s actively reshaping how we heat our homes and buildings. It’s a responsibility, yes, but also a remarkable opportunity to drive one of the most important energy transitions of our time. To lead this transition successfully, the industry needs strong, forward-thinking partnerships built on deep expertise, practical support, and shared ambition. At Daikin, we’re fully committed to working closely with professionals across the HVAC sector to unlock the full potential of low-carbon heating. From training and technical support to product innovation and customer engagement, we’re here to help you not just keep up with change, but confi dently move the market forward. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/36


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