
Heat Wayv Article
21 Jun 2024
Heat Wayv: Embodied Carbon and Its Impact on Global Emissions
Heat Wayv: Embodied Carbon and Its Impact on Global Emissions
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Introduction
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As the world intensifies its efforts to combat climate change, achieving net-zero carbon emissions has become a critical goal. Heating systems, particularly in residential and commercial buildings, play a significant role in this endeavour. Heat pumps have been promoted as a highly efficient solution, but they come with challenges related to embodied carbon and actual operational efficiency. At Heat Wayv, we offer an alternative heating solution that addresses these challenges, providing a more sustainable and effective path toward net-zero emissions.
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Understanding Embodied Carbon
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What is Embodied Carbon?
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Embodied carbon refers to the total carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions associated with the production, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials and systems. For heating systems, this includes emissions from:
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- Extraction of raw materials
- Manufacturing processes
- Transportation of components and finished products
- Installation and maintenance activities
- End-of-life disposal or recycling
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The Impact of Embodied Carbon on Heat Pumps
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Heat pumps, while efficient in terms of operational energy consumption, have a significant embodied carbon footprint. A recent report concluded that the average heat pump system has an embodied carbon of approximately 27.4 tons CO2e. This includes emissions from manufacturing outdoor condenser units, large internal storage tanks, accumulator tanks, but doesn’t capture the necessary retrofitting components like new radiators, pipework, insulation, and sometimes windows and doors which will make this figure even higher.
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Net-Zero and Embodied Carbon Payback
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Despite their operational efficiency, the high embodied carbon of heat pumps means it may struggle to achieve net carbon neutrality over their lifetime, still carrying the high embodied carbon cost before it needs to be replaced, with yet another up lift in carbon.
Based on published figures of 1.9 tons of carbon is prevented per year by a heat pump being installed, it would suggest that to reach net carbon neutrality the heat pump would need to operate at its highest continual performance for over it whole life.
Current installed units are only expected to last 15 years, and even the most modern ones will last around 20 years.
in conclusion, the high embodied carbon cost means that utlising heat pumps may not deliver a net zero future, in fact it will be a net contributor of carbon emissions.
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Heat Wayv: A Sustainable Alternative
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Low Embodied Carbon
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Heat Wayv systems present a revolutionary approach with an estimated embodied carbon of under 1 ton CO2e. This significant reduction in embodied carbon means that our systems not only contribute to immediate carbon savings but also offer long-term sustainability benefits.
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Efficiency and Performance
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Unlike heat pumps, which have a variable coefficient of performance (COP) that can drop below 1 during cold months, Heat Wayv systems maintain a consistent COP of 1 year-round. This ensures reliable and efficient heating, especially during peak demand periods in winter, without the risk of increased energy consumption and costs.
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On-Demand Heating
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Our technology provides on-demand heating, eliminating the need for prolonged warm-up periods and allowing for immediate heat when needed. This feature enhances user comfort and optimizes energy use, contributing to overall efficiency and cost savings.
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Compatibility and Ease of Installation
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Heat Wayv systems can be integrated into nearly 100% of housing stock, utilizing existing internal pipework, radiators, and heat stores where available. This flexibility reduces installation costs and disruption, making it an attractive option for a wide range of properties.
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Environmental and Economic Benefits
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Achieving Net-Zero
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With the lowest embodied carbon footprint in the market, Heat Wayv systems enable users to achieve net-zero emissions more effectively. Our extensive use of recycled materials and a high end-of-life recyclability index (targeted at 96%) further supports sustainability goals.
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Cost-Effectiveness
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Heat Wayv systems are not only cheaper to buy but also cheaper to operate. By leveraging off-peak tariffs to charge our unit’s internal heat store, we align energy costs closely with those of gas systems, offering an economical solution without compromising on performance or environmental responsibility.
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Conclusion
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Heat Wayv offers a pioneering solution to the challenges of embodied carbon and operational efficiency in heating systems. Our technology provides a practical, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional heat pumps, ensuring that the goal of net-zero emissions is achievable within a realistic timeframe. By addressing both the embodied and operational carbon footprints, Heat Wayv stands out as the superior choice for modern heating needs, benefiting both the planet and the consumer.
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For more information, please visit our website at www.heatwayv.com Join us in our mission to revolutionize heating and make a substantial impact on global carbon reduction efforts.