2022 TRENDS | SPONSORED Q&A Chris Caton, head of commercial product management, Group Atlantic UK, ROI and North America (parent company of Hamworthy Heating) A mix of product types will be required to meet our 2050 target John Watt, national HVAC sales manager, UK & Ireland, Paroc What is the future mix of heating? Until relatively recently, the UKs pathway to net zero in 2050, and the decarbonisation of heating, has focused on residential rather than commercial applications. Weve all heard the headlines No gas boilers in new builds by 2025. In December 2020, however, the governments 10-Point Plan and the Climate Change Committees 6th Carbon Budget and, most recently, the Heat and Buildings Strategy started to include commercial, public buildings and network heating in more detail. So, what are the options? As well as broadening the scope of efforts to decarbonise this countrys heating infrastructure, these publications indicate in line with our own views that a mix of product types will be required to meet our 2050 target. Previously, the focus was on transitioning from gas appliances to electric solutions, including heat pumps, electric boilers and panel heating. But theres also talk of the potential for a natural gas/ methane blend and, eventually, 100% hydrogen to replace the methane supplied through the traditional gas network. Hydrogen has far more in common with the performance of todays gas boilers, with a higher operating temperature thats better suited to older buildings, where upgrading building fabric isnt easy or affordable. The world of commercial heating is changing, however; there is no clear path yet and were awaiting further guidance from government. That doesnt mean were standing still, however far from it. Our long-term vision is to support you in selecting the products best suited to your projects, regardless of fuel source. In early 2022, well be bringing commercial heat pumps to the market, combining our knowledge in commercial heating with our groups experience in heat pumps. Were also working hard on the transition to hydrogen. As the policy for conversion of the gas grid to 100% hydrogen is developed, it is likely the grid will permit 20% blended hydrogen within the 2020s to reduce its carbon intensity. Hamworthy boilers will run on this mix without any Which big trends do you see emerging in 2022? connections to transport routes. Therefore, the importance of protection from unwanted noise also increases. Acoustic control is an essential part of of the most important trends for 2022. Climate change is a huge challenge, but fortunately the proper, sustainable and non-combustible insulation of buildings, HVAC-installations, production equipment in the process industry and ships is a valuable tool to reduce our CO2 footprint. Paroc has the aspiration to reduce its CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and to eliminate the use of fossil fuels by then. The same engagement goes for waste: by 2030 no more waste should leave our factories. Fire safety remains one of the key trends; far too many casualties, the need for noncombustible insulation material remains obvious. impact on peoples wellbeing, communication and productivity. Paroc Stonewool is available in a wide assortment of products and solutions for acoustic control, and offers excellent noise reduction and sound absorption thanks to its high-density, Paroc Clad-System, for internal and external use load of a building, and the choice of insulation material has a major impact on the buildings The need for non-combustible insulation material remains obvious The safest solution in all kinds of constructions is to use a non-combustible A1 or A2-s1,d0 class insulation. Stonewool, with its melting point greater than 1,000C, remains the best choice. In other words: Paroc Stonewool helps save lives, Another important aspect is noise protection: Our cities grow, and so does the desire to plan and build more dense areas with close 78 November 2021 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Nov21 pp76-79 CPD Q&As Supp.indd 78 22/10/2021 15:19