Gedling Green Ready for Future Home Standard with Panasonic Heat Pumps
Nottinghamshire. UK
2025
Panasonic heat pumps have been installed into Panasonic heat pumps have been installed into a regenerative housing project in Nottinghamshire, as part of a “Homes England” research project to provide innovative zero carbon ready homes.
Challenge
New legislation is due to be introduced later this year (2025) to make all new homes “zero carbon ready.” The Future Homes Standard building regulations will require new homes to produce 75-80% lower CO2 than current standard builds.
Solutions & applied technology
Panasonic
Heating & Cooling Solutions held a press briefing and panel discussion at
InstallerSHOW 2025 (Stand 5C44), to showcase the company’s vision for achieving
net zero and a more sustainable future. The company highlighted its continuous
R&D aimed at providing solutions to help customers lower their carbon
emissions through buildings, communities, and supply chains.
The UK
Governments Future Homes and Buildings Standard (FHS), will be published in
Autumn 2025, to significantly reduce carbon emissions from new homes by 75-80%
(compared to current standards) by utilising mandatory low carbon heating
systems such as heat pumps. Panasonic shared some of its latest research
collaborations with UK universities, including Salford University on the Energy
House 2.0, alongside developers Bellway, as well as Birmingham City University
on the Gedling Green Development alongside developers Keepmoat. Both
projects utilise Panasonic’s highly efficient Aquarea J series heat
pumps.
Mick
Langford, Panasonic’s Head of Sales & Marketing, presented the company’s
solution strategy for the UK, highlighting the importance of innovative
technologies and strategic partnerships to achieve net zero targets. He
commented, "Our latest HVAC innovations represent a significant step
forward in our commitment to sustainability, we are proud to be providing low
carbon and energy efficient heating solutions that contribute to a more
sustainable future. Our wide range of Aquarea heat pumps offer unparalleled
performance and efficiency, making them the ideal choice for both residential
and commercial applications."
Panasonic
is taking significant strides to accomplish its Green Impact goals through
investment in its facilities, people and products. Earlier this year, the
company opened a new training centre in its Cardiff factory that manufactures
microwave ovens, highlighting its commitment to upskilling the current and next
generation of installers. The site operates on 100% renewable energy by
utilising a mix of the latest heat pump, HX fuel cell and hydrogen technology.
This new investment expands on its existing training facilities across the UK
and enables more installers to access CPD-accredited training programs.
Mick
also highlighted the latest innovations that are now available in the UK, and
how they fit with the company’s regional road map, such as Panasonic’s Aquarea
M Series wide range of heat pumps that provide high energy efficiency for
both residential and commercial applications, utilising the more natural
refrigerant R290. The RAC Solo, a standalone air-to-air heat pump that
utilises ducts, therefore eliminating the need for an outdoor unit. Also
mentioned was the air-to-air VRF 2-pipe ECOi MZ1 series that provides
extreme efficiency, quality and compactness -setting a new standard in the
industry for commercial applications. Finally, the Jet Air Stream,
designed for large spaces that require fast energy efficient high air
distribution, such as gymnasiums, production areas and warehouses.
Panasonic
took the opportunity to hold a panel discussion featuring industry experts:
Prof. Lubo Jankovic of Salford University and Prof. Mike Leonard of
Birmingham City University who presented their ongoing research ahead of the
Future Homes and Buildings Standard. The project conclusions look to provide
insight into how sustainable housing can be delivered at scale, and develop a
roadmap for housebuilders to build zero carbon homes in the UK.
Panasonic
has been involved in the Energy House 2.0 project with Salford University since
its inception in 2022, contributing one of its Aquarea J series heat pump units
installed in the Bellway house. Prof. Jankovic shared that the Panasonic
Aquarea units were selected for the project due to their high energy efficiency
and low running costs.
The
Birmingham City University (BCU) Centre for Future Homes, has also been
commissioned to carry out research, to provide data on the energy and carbon
efficiency of Keepmoat’s housing development at Gedling Green, Nottingham. This
is to ensure the chosen renewable technology adopted can be scaled up for
future developments. Prof. Mike Leonard told visitors that the Panasonic
Aquarea J series units were selected due to their high energy efficiency and
low noise characteristics, making them the ideal choice for residential
applications and proving a good test case ahead of the Future Homes
Standard.
Mike
added, “What’s been discovered from the research we've done so far is that 50%
of the challenge is actually in how people adapt to living in the properties.
If people then don't understand the technology or adapt to working with it in a
different way to, say a gas boiler, then we don't get the outcome that we're
trying to achieve.”
The
thought-provoking discussion explored the driving forces behind heating
decarbonisation and the importance of renewable energy. The panellists
emphasised the role of individuals and communities in promoting sustainable
heating solutions and reducing carbon emissions. The two professors shared
their insights on the impact of renewable energy on the environment and the
importance of innovative solutions in achieving climate goals. Nathan Tranter
from Panasonic further discussed the company's efforts in developing smart
heating and cooling solutions utilising Panasonic’s partnerships with Innova
and Tado that enhance energy efficiency and user comfort.
Panasonic's
cutting-edge HVAC solutions and forward-thinking strategies highlight the
company's commitment to sustainability and its prominent position in the
heating industry.
For
more information visit https://www.aircon.panasonic.eu. Or
visit the Panasonic stand at InstallerSHOW 2025 – Stand 5C44.
Partner
Keepmoat Homes, M. A. Broughton, Nigel Smith.
