The 2025 CIBSE Decarbonisation of Heating and Cooling Conference at Congress Centre in London, brought together experts from across government, industry and the built environment to explore the practical steps needed to achieve net zero. Held after CIBSE’s participation at COP29, where the Global Cooling Pledge took centre stage, the conference reaffirmed CIBSE’s commitment to driving sustainable solutions across the sector.
With over 170 delegates in attendance, the conference provided a vital platform for knowledge-sharing, cross-sector collaboration and discussion on regulatory changes, technical advancements and global best practices.
A global and local perspective on sustainable cooling
Opening the day, Roger Littlewood from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) examined international approaches to sustainable cooling and the UK’s role in delivering against the Global Cooling Pledge. The session also featured CIBSE’s Research Manager, Zoe De Grussa, who presented the newly updated TM59 guidance and weather data files – vital tools in designing buildings that are climate-resilient. Olivia Shears from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) provided insights into the Climate Change Risk Assessment 4 (CCRA4), emphasising the need for adaptation across the built environment.
Heating system retrofit and innovation
The second session focused on the decarbonisation of heating systems, particularly in non-domestic properties. Independent consultant Roger Hitchin explored the practicalities of heat pump retrofit, while Charlotte Lee (Heat Pump Association) and Laura Bishop (Ground Source Heat Pump Association) discussed the policy environment and market trends shaping the rollout of heat pump technologies in the UK.
Supporting knowledge through industry CPD
A dedicated CPD session sponsored by Refra featured Shane McKenzie, who delivered a technical presentation on the role of innovation in heating and cooling technologies. The session reinforced the importance of continuous professional development in keeping pace with evolving best practice.
Heat Networks: From policy to practice
Session four brought case studies and strategic insights to the fore. Jon Sankey of Vattenfall presented Bristol’s city-wide heat network strategy, while Benoit Dufour from Argent LLP shared lessons from the redevelopment of Brent Cross. Dan Rafferty (Stanhope PLC) discussed how heat networks are being embedded within the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, particularly in relation to energy use and emissions limits.
Technical assurance and regulatory evolution
The final session centred on the Heat Networks Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), with contributions from Ellen Hassett (Fairheat), Ben Felstead (DESNZ) and Kevin Morrissey (Building Engineering Services Association). The session explored how HNTAS is set to drive quality assurance and performance standards across the sector, supporting public sector decarbonisation efforts.
Moving forward together
With gold sponsorship from Swegon, Strebel, Mitsubishi Electric, and Modutherm – and headline sponsorship from Refra – the event underlined the growing industry momentum behind sustainable heating and cooling solutions.
The conference took place at a pivotal moment, reflecting the urgency of the global targets set by the Global Cooling Pledge – including a 68% reduction in cooling-related emissions by 2050 – and the role of building services professionals in meeting these challenges. It also marked the run-up to the launch of CIBSE’s new Sustainability Cooling Group in 2025, a key initiative that will continue to drive research, guidance, and collaboration across the sector.