Europe is on track to meet its climate-neutrality goal by 2045, with major reductions in CO₂ emissions required by 2030. The heating sector, the largest energy consumer, is crucial to achieving these targets. By 2030, emissions in the building sector must be reduced by 44% compared to 2020 levels, equivalent to a 53 million-tonne CO₂ reduction. Modern heating technologies and government subsidies offer homeowners significant opportunities to contribute to this transformation.

Sustainable heating solutions

The German heating industry offers a range of sustainable technologies that can be tailored to existing and new buildings. Heat pumps, which extract energy from air, water, or the ground, are a leading option. Hybrid systems, combining gas-condensing boilers with heat pumps, help reduce fossil fuel consumption, while biomass solutions using renewable fuels like wood pellets provide further eco-friendly alternatives. Additionally, ‘H2-ready’ gas heating systems can be converted to hydrogen in the future, ensuring long-term climate-neutral sustainability. With various options available, homeowners can select the system that best suits their needs and environmental goals.

Financial incentives

Homeowners can benefit from generous state subsidies for installing climate-friendly heating systems. From 2024, a 30% rebate is available, with additional bonuses for replacing outdated systems. For households earning under €40,000 annually, the subsidy can reach up to 70% of installation costs, making eco-friendly heating not only sustainable but also cost-effective.

ISH 2025: A hub for innovation

At ISH 2025 in Frankfurt (17-21 March), leading manufacturers will showcase the latest heat generation, distribution, and storage technologies. The event will highlight cutting-edge solutions, including energy management systems and efficient heat transfer technologies.

Expert discussions at ISH 2025

In addition to the exhibition, ISH 2025 will host key events such as the ‘Building Future Conference’, where experts will discuss strategies for implementing the heating revolution. Other conferences, including the ‘German Energy Consultants Conference’ and the ‘House of Energy Congress’, will focus on sustainable building concepts and energy efficiency.

Join the heating revolution at ISH 2025, where innovation and expertise converge for a sustainable future.

The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) has urged homeowners to look at water efficiency in the home to help save on household bills as they face rising water bills in 2025.

The advice comes in response to the news from industry regulator Ofwat that a typical water bill will rise by an average of £86 from April this year, with average water and sewerage bills rises of £157 (36%) expected over the next five years. 

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill said, “One mistake people make is not upgrading from outdated, inefficient products to more innovative solutions. The industry is leading the way with a wide range of products that carry the Unified Water Label, which clearly identifies how water and energy-efficient the product is. Water and energy are inextricably linked in the home. Reducing water will reduce energy, which is kinder to the environment and will also save the user money from utility bills. Around 18% of energy consumption in UK homes is spent heating water, and about 12% of a typical gas-heated home’s heating bill is from the water for showers, baths and the hot water tap.

“People can also improve water and energy efficiency in the home by changing their habits and better maintenance. For example, fixing leaking taps or cutting back on the time in the shower are examples.

“The UWLA works with industry to help them communicate and educate consumers on the importance of changing behaviours, as minor changes can bring about significant benefits.

“Consumers can look for the Unified Water Label on products, websites and packaging. The UWLA website also has a wealth of free information, tips, and advice for homeowners. The website also gives access to the product database enabling visitors to select new products, with over 160 brands, and 20,000 products there is plenty of choice.”

Visit the website here for more information

Bathroom manufacturers have warned that challenges in hiring talent are becoming business-critical.  The industry body, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), has stepped in with several initiatives prioritising workforce development. 

In late 2024, the association held a roundtable event to thrash out the challenges in the sector around recruitment. Recognising the challenges of attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive marketplace, the BMA seeks to provide its members with the tools and partnerships necessary to identify and nurture the right candidates for long-term employer investment.

Recently, the BMA has strengthened its commitment by welcoming three esteemed recruitment organisations as affiliates:

• SOS Executive Search Ltd is led by managing director Sean O’Sullivan, who brings over 20 years of expertise in recruitment for the building products, sales, marketing, and C-Suite sectors.
• Wilson Brook Consulting Ltd, an executive search and consulting firm led by Neil Holloway, specialises in recruitment across the bathroom, plumbing, heating, and building materials markets.
• Designer Recruitment, headed by Ben Paine, is a leading name in recruitment for the KBB and Merchant industries.

Speaking on the partnership, Sean O’Sullivan, managing director of SOS Exec, stated: “The BMA plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and excellence within the bathroom industry. By collaborating with the association, we can ensure its members can access expert guidance in attracting and retaining the best executive talent—a critical investment for long-term success.”

Neil Holloway, founder and managing director of Wilson Brook, emphasised: “The bathroom manufacturing sector is brimming with potential. Our partnership with the BMA is about harnessing that potential by matching skilled professionals to roles that align with their talents and aspirations, ultimately driving the entire industry forward.”

Managing director and founder of Designer Recruitment, Ben Paine added: “Partnering with the BMA allows us to contribute to developing a thriving sector. Retention is just as important as attraction; focusing on career progression and employee satisfaction can help create organisations that people want to stay with and grow within.”

The BMA’s initiatives extend beyond recruitment. In 2024, it launched its inaugural Thirty-Under-Thirty Awards, a prestigious accolade celebrating the remarkable achievements of young professionals in the bathroom manufacturing sector. The winners exemplify the passion, talent, and innovation fuelling the industry’s growth.

Additionally, the BMA continues its partnership with the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) to promote the Bathroom Building Blocks programme, a comprehensive training initiative. Designed for apprentices, new starters, and those refreshing their industry knowledge, the programme equips participants with the skills and insights needed to excel in their roles.

The association also participates in the Construction Inclusion Coalition, an initiative to widen the talent pool by ensuring the construction industry and its supply chain, such as bathroom manufacturing, appeal to people of all backgrounds.

Commenting on these efforts, Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, said: “Attracting and retaining the best talent is fundamental to the success of our industry. By partnering with top recruiters and launching initiatives like the Thirty-Under-Thirty Awards, we are actively fostering a culture of growth and development. Investing in people is not just a strategy—it’s necessary to build stronger organisations and a resilient sector.”