Heat pumps: the smart choice for forward-thinking businesses
Energy bills are unpredictable. Climate policy is tightening. And with heating accounting for 18% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, pressure is mounting on businesses to take action.
Over the past decade, the rapid decarbonisation of electricity grids has laid the foundation for heat pumps to become a mainstream, climate-positive alternative. Back in 2010, electricity grids were still heavily fossil-fuelled – so only about 50% of global heating demand could be met with lower emissions than gas boilers.
Today, thanks to the rise of renewables, that number has climbed to more than 80%. Still, rising energy costs and increasing pressure on the electricity grid are currently hampering three in five UK businesses’ ability to expand.
Low-carbon heating for businesses
In the UK, where the electricity mix is now around 50% low-carbon, the argument for electrifying heating systems is more compelling than ever. For businesses, installing a heat pump isn’t just a cleaner option – it’s one that aligns with the direction of national infrastructure and long-term energy policy.
For that reason, heat pumps aren’t niche technology anymore. From offices and schools to retail and hospitality, they’re already being installed in commercial buildings across the UK and Europe. And – because almost any premises that can be heated with a boiler can be heated with a heat pump – government grants are helping businesses cover up to £7,500 of UK installation costs. Many regions also offer Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) funding or decarbonisation grants for commercial premises, bringing down the price of a commercial heat pump further.
Oil and gas boilers: outdated, inefficient, unsustainable
Even the most efficient, A-rated gas boiler converts only around 90% of fuel into usable heat – meaning a tenth of what you pay for is lost. Conversely, with an efficiency rating of up to 400% according to several independent organisations, air source heat pumps are revolutionising the way businesses decarbonise their operations.
With no combustion and minimal maintenance, they provide a safe, modern, and future-proof alternative.
Combined with solar panels and a 100% renewable electricity tariff, they can help eliminate your building’s heating emissions entirely, while potentially cutting your costs.
Why upgrade to a heat pump now?
Generous funding is available to help businesses upgrade to low-carbon heating – and there’s no guarantee it’ll be around forever. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, for example, offers up to £7,500 towards the cost of installation, and this level of support is only guaranteed until 2028.
The fixed budget and eligibility criteria could change depending on government priorities, uptake rates, or regional policy shifts. Regional decarbonisation grants and LEP funding are similarly time-bound and vary widely across the UK.
Beyond the current funding incentives, a number of policy and market factors are turning up the heat. Since the beginning of the year, all UK schools must have an appointed sustainability lead and implement a climate action plan, with the Department for Education targeting a 75% emissions reduction across the sector. Commercial building regulations are also tightening, with new energy efficiency standards taking effect this year too, aiming for 27% reduction in carbon emissions compared to previous standards.
For businesses aiming to stay ahead of environmental regulations, a heat pump offers one of the most effective and accessible ways to reduce their impact. With tailored end-to-end support, we help navigate the transition ahead: what’s available, what applies to you, and how to take full advantage.
The cost of doing nothing
Sticking with fossil fuel heating is a liability – one that will become increasingly harder to justify. Continued exposure to carbon-intensive energy leaves businesses financially exposed to volatile price changes within an ageing infrastructure. And, as expectations shift across supply chains and sectors, ignoring your business’ environmental impact means potentially falling behind more proactive competitors.
Plus, environmentally, every year without change deepens the climate crisis, slows national progress, and intensifies the ecological challenges we will all need to navigate. Whatever your sector, switching from a fossil fuel boiler to a high-efficiency air source heat pump is a strategic upgrade for financial freedom.
Stand on the front foot in a changing energy landscape
We’re proud to have been named Which? Trusted Trader of the Month for our heat pump installation – a recognition of the quality, care and technical expertise we bring to every install. Now, we’re expanding that offering to the commercial sector. Alongside air source heat pumps, we also provide 100% renewable electricity, solar panels, battery storage and EV charging solutions for businesses nationwide.
Our partnership approach equips you to capitalise on funding with full compliance and expert system design. Factoring in insulation, usage patterns and building fabric, we assess every property individually and build bespoke solutions that match your needs. Our commercial systems are designed for buildings with a heat load of up to 75kW, providing tailored support to simplify complex sites’ decarbonisation journey.
If you’re ready to make a smarter, low-carbon move for your business, we’re here to help.
