The report examines how the lifecycle of heat pumps can be improved to enhance their sustainability from production through to installation.
Rising installations, but manufacturing emissions in focus
With nearly 5,000 heat pumps being installed in homes across the UK every month, thanks to the Government’s £2,500 uplift in funding, the shift towards low-carbon heating is well underway.
Heat pumps already produce far fewer emissions during use compared to gas boilers – a gas boiler generates 55% more emissions than a 10kW heat pump, according to Gemserv. However, the focus is now shifting towards ensuring these devices are truly sustainable across their entire lifecycle.
The white paper by Gemserv and Minviro highlights the need to address emissions generated during heat pump manufacturing.
A 10kW heat pump currently produces 640kg of CO2 equivalent in embodied carbon, mainly due to the use of steel, refrigerants, and tube insulation. Without considering this phase of production, there is a risk of undermining the environmental benefits of heat pumps.
Potential for reducing embodied carbon
The study reveals that by adopting greener production processes and sustainable materials, the carbon footprint of a heat pump could be cut almost in half. If implemented, these measures could reduce the embodied carbon emissions of a 10kW heat pump to 340kg CO2 equivalent.
This includes significant emission reductions through the use of sustainably sourced steel, greener insulation materials, and transitioning manufacturing operations to renewable energy.
Key findings include:
- Switching to sustainably sourced steel powered by renewable energy could cut emissions by up to 70%
- Using recycled materials for insulation could reduce emissions from insulation by 50%
- Further reductions can be achieved by shifting heat pump manufacturing to renewable energy sources
Upcoming regulations
These changes are not only beneficial for the environment but also for heat pump manufacturers who need to comply with upcoming regulations such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Both initiatives aim to push the industry towards a more circular, lower-impact economy. Life cycle assessments (LCAs) are essential for identifying production hotspots and ensuring manufacturers are making the best decisions for sustainability.
Waco Yokoyama, sustainability and circular economy consultant at Gemserv, highlighted the importance of considering the full lifecycle of products in the journey to net zero: “The life cycle impact of the products we are using to achieve net zero emissions is just as important as the emissions produced by these products in operation.
“The choices manufacturers and installers make now are critical to ensure an energy transition that extensively reduces carbon emissions and addresses broader impacts on the environment.”
Holistic approach to heat pump sustainability
Jordan Lindsay, research and development manager at Minviro, also stressed the importance of a holistic approach to sustainability: “There is no doubt that low carbon technologies like heat pumps are the right solution to replace fossil fuels.
“We are proud to have utilised our life cycle assessment (LCA) capabilities in this study to demonstrate how to maximise the sustainability benefits of heat pumps through reducing their embodied carbon in materials and refrigerant choice.”
By focusing on reducing emissions throughout the entire manufacturing process, the industry can ensure that heat pumps continue to be a leading low-carbon heating solution. As more households adopt heat pumps, optimising their production will help reduce the environmental impact at every stage of the product’s lifecycle.
Paving the way for a more sustainable future
The white paper identifies four key areas for improvement:
- The role of steel production in driving heat pump emissions
- The hidden environmental costs of tube insulation
- The impact of on-site electricity consumption during manufacturing
- The need to assess the environmental impact of refrigerants
By addressing these areas, the industry can ensure heat pumps not only provide low-carbon heating for households but also minimise their environmental footprint during production.
As heat pumps are scaled up across the UK, the findings of this report provide a valuable roadmap for manufacturers and policymakers to ensure the technology delivers on its full sustainability potential.
Image: Gemserv