The University of Auckland’s B201 is one of the world’s most sustainable academic buildings. Andy Pearson explores how CIBSE’s 2026 Building Performance Champion used deep retrofit and building services engineering to transform the 1970s campus
Tag: heat pumps
A match made in heritage: heat pumps in historic buildings
Large heat pumps can perform well in historical properties, but only if designers understand the context of the setting and its use, says a new report from Historic England. Alex Smith highlights lessons learned
Why proven heat pumps still struggle to scale
The successful adoption of heat pumps is affected by complexity, compatibility and user experience, according to UC Davis research. Tim Dwyer looks at how consumer uncertainty threatens the rollout of heat pumps into the mainstream
Setting the standard for social housing
Social housing retrofits can meet the upcoming UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, but the costs are high, says ECD Architects’ Loreana Padron, based on a 48-homes Cambridge City Council pilot delivered by the practice
Bridging the heat pump efficiency divide
Real-world analysis of domestic heat pump installations has identified underlying reasons for system underperformance. Alex Smith looks at the study paper’s recommendations, which the authors say could reduce household’s annual energy costs by 26%
Bridging the heat pump efficiency divide
Real-world analysis of domestic heat pump installations has identified underlying reasons for system underperformance. Alex Smith looks at the study paper’s recommendations, which the authors say could reduce annual energy costs by 26%
Piloting the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard
The highly anticipated UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard is set to launch in early 2026, after a year of feedback from more than 200 pilot projects. At a recent CIBSE conference, engineers shared the lessons that have been instrumental to defining the Standard’s final version. Molly Tooher-Rudd reports
Avoiding the trap: embodied carbon and low-GWP heat pumps
Research by Max Fordham shows that air source heat pumps with low global warming potential refrigerant risk being penalised under current calculation methods for embodied carbon. The firm’s Lia Minty discusses how upfront carbon differs according to refrigerant type and proposes a fairer methodology
The next industrial revolution: refurbishing the Power Hall
An innovative low carbon heating system – designed by Max Fordham and centred on water source heat pumps and an electric steam boiler — now powers a collection of Victorian steam engines at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester. Andy Pearson reports
Holy electric: Lambeth Palace’s £40m net zero retrofit
Balancing history and innovation, the £40m retrofit of Lambeth Palace demonstrates how a holistic approach can secure a low carbon future for historic estates. Andy Pearson reports