Exploring the challenges in building solutions for a low carbon economy

The transition to a net-zero future is accelerating and homes built today must produce significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than those of the past. With heating and hot water making up a major share of a home’s energy use, alignment between developers, contractors, and system suppliers is more important than ever. 

From recent conversations with housebuilders and sustainability specialists in the UK, Myson explores the realities of continuous HVAC system optimisation, the shift to a low-carbon economy, and the evolving value of sustainability in the supply chain. 

Building solutions as a joint responsibility

Developers across the UK are undertaking full carbon assessments of their standard house types to understand where reductions can be made—both internally and across the supply chain. It’s already clear that the road to net zero cannot be travelled alone. It requires suppliers to share their own commitments, provide environmental product declarations, support sustainability and transparent decision-making.

Many developers are following science-based targets and have set long-term ambitions for net-zero value chains.  Suppliers who can demonstrate measurable progress, whether through product-level carbon data or operational reductions, is important in the procurement process.

But sustainability is only one part of the equation. Developers still need to meet building regulations, adhere to energy-performance requirements, and navigate high inflation. This creates a careful balancing act between regulatory compliance, commercial reality, product performance, and environmental value.

When commercial differences are small, sustainability credentials can become the deciding factor. Conversely, if a product is commercially viable but lacking environmentally, many developers are challenging suppliers to improve, showing that collaboration drives progress.

Transitioning towards a low-carbon economy

The shift to a low-carbon economy is unavoidable, and developers recognise the risks of not adapting. Rising carbon taxation on materials such as steel, for example, means the industry must take clear steps toward decarbonisation to ensure supply resilience.

At Myson, we are actively contributing to this transition. Our decision to source 140,000 tonnes of green steel, enables up to 95% reductions in CO₂ emissions compared with traditional coal-powered steelmaking.  Actions like this help future-proof supply chains and support the UK’s broader sustainability targets.

The importance of Total Solutions

There is a growing customer focus on running costs and energy efficiency rather than embodied carbon. This reinforces the need for whole-home heating and cooling solutions that maximise the performance of low-carbon technologies.

Regulatory change is another major influence. The Future Homes Standard will mandate that new homes be built with low-carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps, and be highly energy-efficient through improved insulation, windows, and airtightness. 

The standard aims to cut carbon emissions by at least 75% compared to current standards and requires the use of rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, ventilation and smart technology.

Myson provides all the elements required to optimise heat pump efficiency and build future-ready systems, including:

• Underfloor heating solutions
• Radiators & towel warmers
• Ultra-low-temperature radiators
• Fan convectors
• Electric radiators
• Thermostatic radiator valves
• Smart controls

Achieving the right balance between commercial value, sustainability performance, regulatory compliance, and aesthetics is key.

Energy & environmental performance

Developers must also consider Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) - the UK’s current method for evaluating a home’s energy and environmental performance. Smart thermostats, controls, and other elements of the heating system all influence SAP outputs and, therefore, product selection.

Myson’s Unisenza Plus wireless room thermostat and connected app supports this by offering room-by-room energy monitoring and control. The system’s gateway can connect up to 100 devices, from boilers and ASHP components to radiators and valves, enabling seamless, future-ready comfort management.

It is reported that some heat pump manufacturers recommend using a single downstairs zone to maximise system efficiency in low-temperature installations, however, this marks a significant shift from current regulations which emphasise room-by-room time and temperature control, especially for underfloor heating. Applying one thermostat to an entire ground floor in a large home risks serious comfort issues like, for example, overheated kitchens during cooking, or west-facing living rooms becoming too hot in the evening while opposing rooms are too cold.

The Home Energy Model (HEM) is the UK government's next-generation, more detailed replacement for SAP, and will come into effect in 2026.  Moving from monthly to half-hourly time steps for greater accuracy, better modelling of heat pumps and new technology, and supporting the Future Homes Standard towards net-zero, it will offer a real-world view versus SAP's standardized assumptions. 

Designing a future-ready HVAC system

Regulation changes such as lower flow temperatures mean that today’s system choices must support tomorrow’s heating technologies. For example, homes fitted with boilers today should be able to accommodate future ASHP replacements without requiring full radiator upgrades.

Heating system design faces its own challenges, like meeting energy efficiency regulations, accommodating smaller spaces, integrating new technology, managing varied loads, complying with ventilation and humidity controls, sizing heat emitters for low-temperature systems and balancing occupant comfort with building preservation, especially in historic properties. 

At Myson, we understand the importance of future-proof heating system design. We have a proven track record of working with and supporting M&E consultants and developers, from the initial design process to the final stage. Our extensive portfolio of sustainable heating solutions and product expertise help ensure every heating design delivers optimal comfort and efficiency for today, while remaining ready for low-temperature systems of tomorrow.

Our experts are here to support your project, from product selection to complete system design.

Contact Myson