The promise of hydronic systems in building decarbonization

Published by Mechanical Business: As North America adds more renewable energy to the grid and more communities commit to building decarbonization as a way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are fuelling climate change, demand for energy-efficient radiant designs, which use water to heat or cool interior spaces, and heat pump technology for domestic hot water heating is expected to grow. Grid-connected, energy-efficient radiant heating and cooling systems and HPWHs can play a key role in building decarbonization, which eliminates emissions at the building as well as at the generation source. Radiant heating and cooling systems are 20 to 60 per cent more energy efficient than all-air systems, depending on type and climate zone, according to a 2017 report led by New Buildings Institute (NBI) and commissioned by the California Energy Commission.