Decarbonisation of schools: a race against time

Schools are responsible for 24% of carbon emissions in the public sector, making their decarbonisation critical to meeting the UK’s net zero goals. The biggest challenge? Retrofitting the country’s vast stock of existing schools.

We speak to Professor Dejan Mumovic about UCL’s dynamic thermal model, which maps 67,000 school buildings to identify the most effective retrofit strategies. The model not only predicts the risk of overheating in a warming climate, but also considers how design impacts children’s cognitive performance.

Mumovic warns there is no time to lose: the UK will need to retrofit 800–1,000 schools per year to meet 2050 targets. Currently, less than a tenth of that number are being upgraded annually.

Read the latest CIBSE Journal

Race to net zero: why schools must act now

UK schools produce 2% of UK carbon emissions, yet retrofits lag behind net zero targets. Professor Dejan Mumovic FCIBSE explains to Alex Smith how large-scale models can accelerate decarbonisation while minimising overheating risk

In demand: the DESNZ/IEA Heat Pump Research Seminar

Demand-response strategies were the hot topic at this year’s DESNZ/IEA Heat Pump Research Seminar. Molly Tooher-Rudd and Alex Smith capture the highlights, including talks on non-domestic heat pump retrofits and full-scale testing of net zero homes

Tapping into efficiency: hot-water solutions

At the Passivhaus-accredited Riverside Primary School in Perth, Scotland, the selection of point-of-use water heaters played a key role in driving down energy use. Baxi’s Andy Green explains how the optimal solution was realised

How the Home Energy Model will replace SAP

The model set to replace SAP for home energy assessments is designed to work dynamically with new-era technologies such as energy storage, advanced control systems and dynamic tariffs. Sustenic’s John Henderson and Jose Ortiz FCIBSE highlight the potential of the Home Energy Model

Scotland drops plan to force replacement of fossil-fuel heating systems by 2045

Decarbonisation target in revised Heat in Buildings Bill won’t be mandatory

Government commissions inquiry into Heathrow power failure

Fire at substation led to power cut that resulted in 1,300 cancelled flights

Life safety BS 8519 training course

This new course takes place on 29 April at CIBSE’s Saffron Hill offices

Embedding sustainability into the roles of professionals

Developed as part of CIC’s Climate Action Plan, the Competence Framework for Sustainability lays the foundation for industry-wide standards that embed sustainability into the roles of professionals. The Edge’s Simon Foxell explains

Heat interface units and return temperature limitation: optimising heat network performance

Heat interface units play a pivotal role in managing return temperatures for heat networks

Innovate and illuminate: shining a light on industry expertise

Events will feature CPD-accredited presentations providing a wealth of knowledge to professionals in lighting, emergency signage, and sustainable energy solutions

BlueEdge solutions for every HVAC application

These solutions enhance the efficiency and longevity of HVAC systems, while helping to achieve net zero and decarbonisation targets

Module 246: Efficient heat pump application for heating and domestic hot water

This module considers how to ensure heat pump applications efficiently meet demands to deliver heating and domestic hot water at satisfactory temperatures