Key industry groups in the UK HVAC sector and construction industry call on the new Labour government to focus on affordable, sustainable heat and building decarbonisation following the election victory. Stakeholders highlight the importance of manifesto commitments and stress the need for industry collaboration and skilled workforce development to achieve net zero goals.
Labour Faces Industry Pressure on Building and Heat Decarbonisation Post-Election Victory
The UK HVAC sector and construction industry have responded to Labour’s landslide election win on July 3, urging the new government to prioritize affordable, sustainable heat and building decarbonisation.
Key industry groups, including the Sustainable Energy Association (SEA), emphasized the importance of Labour’s manifesto commitments, such as upgrading five million homes with a £6.6bn investment to meet the UK’s 2050 net zero carbon target. The SEA supports a ‘fabric first’ strategy that accommodates various heating systems and resources.
Daikin UK and Vaillant have pledged to collaborate with the government, highlighting Labour’s ‘Warm Homes Plan’ which aims to roll out air source heat pumps and other low-carbon heating technologies. Vaillant’s Mark Wilkins called for addressing skills gaps in heat pump installation.
Construction professionals seek stability and long-term vision from Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Chartered Institute of Building and other associations stressed the need for consistent policies and ministerial stability, while housebuilders welcomed Labour’s housing targets but expressed concerns over planning and viability pressures.
Labour’s ‘Local Power Plan’ and ambitious decarbonisation goals have been largely supported, though the Electrical Contractors’ Association pointed out the challenge of a skilled labour shortage. The focus is on engaging industry to grow the workforce and deliver net zero and infrastructure goals.
