A White Paper published by the Thermal Contractors Association warns that the UK is missing an opportunity to cut emissions and reduce import reliance by failing to tackle industrial heat loss
The TICA argues that immediate and cost-effective solutions to industrial heat loss are crucial, especially at a time when national policy is focused on energy security and the net-zero transition.
Chris Ridge, TICA’s technical director, said: “The heat loss from one single uninsulated valve can equal the energy needed to power an electric car for 12,000 miles.
“Multiply that across many thousands of industrial and commercial sites, and it’s impossible to ignore the scale of the problem in the UK.”
Industrial heat loss is the cause of significant wasted energy
Across manufacturing and processing facilities, significant amounts of heat are lost each day from poorly insulated pipes, ducting, valves, and equipment.
This industrial heat loss results in significant energy waste, driving up costs and emissions whilst increasing reliance on imported supply.
Analysis from the European Industrial Insulation Foundation (EiiF) has identified potential emission reductions of 3,480 kilotonnes of CO₂ and energy savings of 1,183 kilotonnes of oil equivalent across Europe if effective solutions were implemented.
This is comparable to an annual energy use of more than 863,000 households or 1.7 million cars.
Only one solution makes sense
The TICA White Paper argues that thermal insulation is the only feasible solution to industrial heat loss – with most projects paying for themselves between several months and two years.
In addition, the paper urges the introduction of minimum thermal insulation performance standards, including BS EN 17956 Energy Efficiency Class C for new industrial installations and, where feasible, for existing assets.
The introduction of performance standards will create a consistent baseline for energy efficiency across industry, TICA says.
“We are locking in inefficiency by failing to act. This is one of the simplest, fastest, and most cost-effective ways to cut energy use and emissions,” Ridge stated.
“It must be treated as a first-line solution, rather than an afterthought.”
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