Gedling Green Ready for Future Home Standard with Panasonic Heat Pumps

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.