Sustainable Solutions

Sustainable Solutions for Future-Proof Communities

With extensive experience in sustainable solutions and renewable energy, we have successfully implemented a wide range of technologies to create resilient, low-carbon communities and developments.

We advocate a fabric-first approach, prioritizing energy-efficient building materials and design to reduce energy consumption. This minimizes space heating and hot water demand, significantly lowering reliance on external power sources—leading to higher EPC energy efficiency ratings and long-term sustainability.

Every project benefits from a tailored energy strategy or retrofit plan, mapping the pathway to sustainable improvements. This plan encompasses:
✅ Technical requirements & potential constraints
✅ Work sequence & ventilation strategy
✅ Installation & procurement strategy
✅ Cost evaluation & monitoring framework
✅ Maintenance planning & long-term sustainability

Our Recommended Approach to Sustainable Projects

🔹 Define the project scope and client’s goals
🔹 Assess the building, constraints, and risks
🔹 Plan, evaluate, and cost sustainable improvements
🔹 Procure, install, and commission technologies
🔹 Monitor, analyse, and refine outcomes for efficiency

By integrating practical, cost-effective solutions, we empower clients to achieve net zero ambitions and Passivhaus compliance, shaping a greener, smarter built environment for generations to come.

Air Source Heat Pumps – Efficient, Low-Carbon Heating

Air source heat pumps offer cost-effective, sustainable heating, producing 2–3 times the energy they consume. As the national grid moves away from fossil fuels, these systems are becoming even more efficient.

With over a decade of experience, we ensure strategic installation, optimized performance, and effective maintenance, helping clients maximize carbon savings and enhance energy efficiency

PV (Photovoltaic) panels

An improving low maintenance technology that generates electricity for use in the premises that are easy to install with standardised fittings and various sizes readily available. There are many output and performance options that can include battery energy storage of local generated electricity from which our clients can benefit from. PV panels are widely used on both new build and retrofit projects and can also be linked to electric car charging points.

Energy storage

With battery storage for self-generated electricity on the increase there are numerous brands and storage options open for clients. Design consideration must be given to location of storage and cabling distribution routes.

Solar panels

Solar panels provide cost effective hot water to both new and existing water tanks. Panel location and orientation is important to optimise performance and energy savings.

Communal heat pumps and energy centres

Used on larger developments where properties can benefit from economies of scale of using a central heat plant and energy centre that generates energy more efficiently than individual heat pumps. Location and distribution routes of heat need to be carefully considered when planning to utilise communal heat pumps and energy centres.

Ground source heat pumps (via loops and boreholes)

We have experience in the installation of ground source heat pumps powered by ground loops and deep boreholes on new developments and whilst the capital outlay is larger than air source heat pumps the year round energy benefits and heating efficiencies is greater.

Biomass Boilers

Where space can be found biomass boilers can be a good renewable heat source by efficiently burning renewable and responsibly sourced wood pellets or wood chips. Biomass boilers are suited to rural locations and can benefit from UK Governments Renewable Heat Incentive scheme (RHI), applications for this year RHI Scheme close 31/03/2022.

Sustainable urban drainage solutions (SUDS)

We are strong advocates of sustainable urban drainage systems to manage the infiltration of storm water to avoid flood and pollution risk. Designed and installed correctly, to the Governments Sewerage Sector Guidance and Environment Bill , SUDS can be attractive additions to any landscaping by improving the drainage, ecology, flora and fauna.

Airtightness solutions

Airtightness has become more recent industry challenge to reducing energy loss via air permeability in properties. Achieving a high level of airtightness and reducing heat loss from the building fabric and utilising whole house ventilation systems with heat recovery, form part of the energy strategy for net zero and Passivhaus compliance. There are many design, detailing, products and applied airtightness solutions which add additional site costs but is an area where compliance benefits can be measurably achieved.

Fan assisted low heat electric radiators

These are a useful heating technology, especially in retrofit projects where PV panels are also installed. Low heat electric radiators have a low capital outlay, but higher operational costs and they can provide quick reactive electric space heating without using fossil fuels.

Please contact us at info@zerocarbonqs.com to discuss your project sustainability targets and path to net zero carbon.