Heating and Ventilation

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions has been helping with a study at the University of Salford and the Energy House 2.0 research project in conjunction with Bellway Homes. The research looks at the effects of the planned Future Homes Building Standard (FHS) and how this will impact on new build properties. This experimental eco home is a ground-breaking research study by the University, combining eco efficient processes to meet the impending Future Homes Standard (FHS) for new build houses. The research also tests how low-carbon technologies impact the cost of living. The Future Home at Energy House 2.0 is built by Bellway inside a climate-controlled chamber at the university. Panasonic is one of the manufacturers selected to power the heating with its Aquarea J Series air-to-water heat pump. 
 

Panasonic heat pumps have been installed into 33, two, three and four-bedroom new build homes as part of a “Homes England” research project to provide innovative zero carbon ready homes. Gedling Green, a regenerative housing project in Nottinghamshire has been developed on an old coal mining colliery site by open-market affordable housing developers, Keepmoat Homes. Panasonic’s Aquarea J Series units with smart controls were selected for the research project by Keepmoat, due to their high energy efficiency and low noise characteristics. The installations were completed by electrical contractors M. A. Broughton and plumbing company, Nigel Smith.
 

Ian Cochran, Head of Consultancy at Changeworks, on how the organisation is supporting housing associations in Scotland to prepare for net zero.
As the UK progresses toward ambitious climate goals, housing associations face the challenge of balancing legislative requirements with the practicalities of retrofitting their housing stock and ensuring tenant comfort. 
In Scotland, the delay in the publication of the Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZS) has added an element of uncertainty for many in the sector. However, forward-thinking housing associations, supported by experts like Changeworks, are already taking action to prepare for SHNZS.

Vericon Systems, a leading manufacturer of remote technologies to manage and control essential building services, has launched MouldSense, a new plug and play solution to help landlords monitor, measure and manage damp and mould within their properties and ensure compliance with Awaab’s Law.

Effectively accessing and maximising government funding is key for social housing providers looking to boost energy efficiencies for tenants, lower emissions across housing stock, and meet the current required EPC Band C minimum rating by 2030.  

Whilst improving insulation is amongst the measures that can increase SAP points, heating control solutions can also provide an uplift with minimum disruption. 
 

Housing associations and property managers have many responsibilities. But fundamentally, they are responsible for ensuring that their resident’s properties are safe, secure and in good condition. Ensuring this, however, can be tricky. From running water and heating to lighting and ventilation, there are a number of factors to consider. And in turn, a number of challenges to overcome. 

Damp and mould presents one of the biggest risks. It's not a new challenge, and its effects have been well documented, particularly following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak caused by prolonged exposure to mould. Following the coroner’s November 2022 report, social housing providers, including local authorities and housing associations, were asked to submit evidence about the extent of damp and mould in tenants’ homes and how they were tackling the issue. 

Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has welcomed the UK Government setting a date of October 2025 for Awaab’s Law to be introduced across the social housing sector. The law was initiated following the tragic death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak, due to a mouldy home. Awaab’s Law is part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act and is set to impose strict requirements on social housing landlords to investigate and resolve issues of damp and mould within specified timeframes, helping residents gain faster repairs and reducing health risks. It marks the biggest change in social housing rules in a decade, aiming to prevent future tragedies and improve tenant safety.