Trade Bodies Call for Nationwide Pipe Lagging Drive to Boost Energy Efficiency

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the Thermal Insulation Contractors’ Association (TICA) are advocating for a national initiative to improve pipe insulation in commercial and industrial buildings across the UK. Describing uninsulated or poorly insulated pipes as “the lowest of low hanging fruit” in building retrofits, these trade bodies highlight that insulating pipework could provide immediate benefits, reducing energy costs and supporting the UK’s journey toward net zero.

Why Pipe Lagging is Key for Energy Savings

Pipe lagging, or the insulation of pipework, helps to prevent heat loss, especially in heating, cooling, and industrial systems where pipes carry fluids at high or low temperatures. Uninsulated pipes result in energy loss, causing systems to consume more energy to maintain desired temperatures. This results in higher energy bills and unnecessary carbon emissions. By installing insulation on exposed pipes, buildings can achieve significant energy savings with minimal upfront cost.

A Practical Solution for Net Zero Goals

BESA and TICA’s proposal to prioritize pipe insulation aligns with the UK’s commitment to net zero. The trade bodies argue that, compared to more complex retrofit measures, insulating pipes offers a straightforward, cost-effective solution that delivers results almost immediately. By addressing the often-overlooked pipework in commercial and industrial settings, they suggest that the UK could make meaningful progress toward its sustainability goals with a relatively simple step.

Potential Benefits of a National Pipe Lagging Drive

• Reduced Carbon Emissions: Insulated pipes reduce energy demand, cutting carbon emissions associated with heating and cooling.
• Lower Operating Costs: Building owners can experience lower energy bills due to decreased heat loss and improved system efficiency.
• Enhanced Building Efficiency: Improved insulation supports overall building efficiency, making it easier to meet new energy performance standards.

Encouraging Widespread Adoption

BESA and TICA are urging building owners, facilities managers, and policymakers to consider a national pipe lagging drive as a priority in retrofit programs. By raising awareness and potentially offering incentives, they believe that widespread adoption could lead to substantial savings and a stronger push toward the UK’s climate goals.

Key Takeaways

• Immediate Impact: Pipe insulation offers quick energy savings, making it an ideal candidate for energy efficiency upgrades.
• Simple, Cost-Effective: Lagging is an affordable retrofit measure that provides high returns on investment for both energy savings and carbon reduction.
• Support for Net Zero: By insulating pipework, the UK can take a meaningful step toward its carbon neutrality targets.

A national pipe lagging drive could mark a significant move toward energy-efficient buildings in the UK, making a notable contribution to net zero ambitions and supporting lower operating costs for businesses. Through this straightforward yet impactful solution, BESA and TICA envision a more sustainable future for commercial and industrial properties.