The UK Government’s Future Homes and Buildings Standard (FHS), due to be introduced in Autumn 2025, aims to reduce carbon emissions from new homes by 75–80% compared to current levels. This will be achieved through the mandatory adoption of low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps.

Panasonic is contributing to research supporting this transition through collaborations with UK universities. These include the Energy House 2.0 project with Salford University and developer Bellway, as well as the Gedling Green development with Birmingham City University and Keepmoat. Both studies feature Panasonic’s Aquarea J series heat pumps.

Mick Langford, Panasonic UK’s Head of Sales and Marketing, outlined the company’s approach to supporting low-carbon goals, referencing its technology roadmap and partnerships with academic and industry stakeholders.

The company has recently invested in a training centre at its Cardiff site, which operates on 100% renewable energy, using heat pumps, hydrogen, and fuel cell technologies. The facility is part of a broader effort to expand access to CPD-accredited training for heating and cooling professionals across the UK.

Langford also highlighted the latest products that are now available in the UK, and how they fit with the company’s regional road map, such as:

• The Aquarea M Series heat pumps, using R290 refrigerant
• RAC Solo, a ducted air-to-air heat pump that does not require an outdoor unit
• ECOi MZ1, a 2-pipe air-to-air VRF system for commercial settings
• Jet Air Stream, aimed at delivering high-volume air distribution in large indoor spaces.

Panasonic hosted a panel discussion featuring Professor Lubo Jankovic (Salford University) and Professor Mike Leonard (Birmingham City University), who presented current research related to the upcoming Future Homes and Buildings Standard. The project aims to explore how sustainable housing can be delivered at scale and to outline practical guidance for housebuilders delivering zero-carbon homes in the UK.

As part of the Energy House 2.0 initiative at the University of Salford, which began in 2022, Panasonic contributed one of its Aquarea J series heat pump units, which was installed in the Bellway demonstration home. Jankovic noted that the units were selected based on energy efficiency and running cost considerations.

BCU’s Centre for Future Homes is also researching to analyse energy and carbon data from Keepmoat’s development at Gedling Green, Nottingham. Leonard explained that the study aims to assess whether the selected technologies can be scaled for future applications. He added that user behaviour significantly affects performance outcomes, stating that effective adaptation to new systems is essential to achieving energy targets.

The session addressed the broader context of decarbonising heating and the role of renewable systems. Both academics discussed the environmental implications of energy use and the need for practical development in line with climate targets. Panasonic’s Nathan Tranter described ongoing projects with Innova and Tado focused on improving the efficiency and usability of domestic heating technologies.