Why a whole-system approach?
Treating each technology in isolation leaves efficiency on the table. When heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), solar PV, battery storage and low-temperature underfloor heating (UFH) are engineered to work together, you unlock:
Future-proof compliance – meets Part L 2025, SAP 10, Heat-Network regs and many local net-zero targets in one shot.Why Choose a Heat Pump for Flats?
Maximum carbon savings – every exported kWh of solar can instead drive a heat pump or charge a battery.
Lower lifetime bills – batteries shift self-generated power into the evening peak; MVHR recovers up to 90 % of heat otherwise lost.
Year-round comfort – UFH + MVHR give even temperatures and fresh air, while reversible heat pumps provide summer cooling.
How the core technologies connect
| Technology | Role in the mix | Key interactions |
|---|---|---|
| Air- or Ground-Source Heat Pumps | Generate low-carbon hot water & space heating (and optional cooling). | Powered by on-site solar; run at ultra-low flow temps thanks to UFH & MVHR heat recovery. |
| MVHR | Supplies filtered fresh air and captures exhaust-air heat. | Cuts heat-pump load by up to 25 %; EAHP variants can harvest exhaust air to drive a small heat pump. |
| Solar PV | Produces daytime electricity on roof or façade. | First powers communal services → then charges batteries → surplus drives heat pumps. |
| Battery Storage | Stores excess PV for evening peaks & grid-outage cover. | Smooths heat-pump demand spikes and enables dynamic import/export tariffs. |
| Underfloor Heating (UFH) | Large radiant surface at 30–40 °C, ideal for low-temp systems. | Allows heat pump to operate at COP 3.5 – 4.5; no radiators frees wall space and improves aesthetics. |
1 + 1 > 2: A kWh of rooftop PV electricity can deliver 3–4 kWh of heat once it’s channelled through a high-COP heat pump running low-temp UFH.
Better Planet’s “system-first” design process
- Whole-building heat loss odelling — half-hourly gas/electric data, room by room assessments.
- Tech-mix optimisation — we run cost-vs-carbon scenarios until the sweet spot is clear.
- Integrated project planning pack — one submission covering plant, boreholes, PV, battery enclosures, MVHR terminals.
- Phased installation — zero-downtime change-over; residents kept warm & ventilated throughout.
- Unified controls & dashboards — single platform monitors HPs, PV, batteries, MVHR and tenant HIUs.
- Ongoing performance tuning — seasonal COP checks, tariff-shift strategy and M&V reporting for ESG teams.
Trusted by
The Better Planet process
1) Feasibility and load profiling
Heat-loss modelling, and roof / ground surveys, alongside discussions with developers to understand requirements clearly.
2) Planning and funding support
Liaison with planners, GLA/LA carbon officers, and grant applications. We can work with you to identify the perfect set up for your requirements.
3) Detailed design
If an M&E contractor has been appointed, we can work closely with their designs. If not, our team of in house design team can support with detailed design, including; Central plant sizing, HIU or ambient-loop layouts, acoustic strategy.
4) Installation
Our own team of installation engineers will install your system. For retrofit projects, we will work to ensure disruption is minimised.
5) Ongoing support and maintenance
Seasonal performance checks, annual services and system maintenence, remote monitoring.
St Michael’s Road, London
Client Brief
The main contractor of a new 12-flat development required a low-carbon, cost-effective heating and hot-water, that could be adapted to the size and orientation of each apartment while maintaining a consistent underfloor-heating layout across the scheme. Key asks were:
- Maximise renewable technology within tight plant-cupboard footprints.
- Provide balanced mechanical ventilation to meet airflow rates.
- Keep running costs low for future residents, with simple room-by-room control.
Our Solution
Better Planet designed, supplied, installed and commissioned a mix of heat-pump technologies matched to each flat’s constraints:
- One balcony flat received a NIBE air-source heat pump with ducted supply-and-extract ventilation.
- Six mid-level flats—where no outdoor plant space existed—were equipped with NIBE exhaust-air heat pumps, providing mechanical supply-and-extract ventilation.
- Five top-floor and corner flats gained NIBE exhaust-air heat pumps with integral MVHR, delivering >90 % heat-recovery ventilation to further cut heating demand.
Across all 12 flats we carried out room-by-room heat-loss and airflow calculations, installed under-floor heating in pumped screed for silent, even warmth, and fitted compact plant cupboards housing the heat pump, hot-water cylinder and controls. Low-profile acoustic terminals preserved ceiling heights, and digital thermostats gave residents simple temperature control and energy transparency.
Project Success
✅ Right technology for each flat ensured every unit met SAP targets without oversizing.
✅ Under-floor heating plus balanced ventilation delivered draught-free comfort all year.
✅ Unified NIBE controls and a single commissioning pack gave facilities teams one platform for monitoring and maintenance.
Our approach – A full-service solution tailored to you
- Our sales team will discuss your project, finding the ideal solution for your unique situation.
- Our team of in-house building services engineers will work with you to design a system which delivers for your buildings inhabitants, complies with existing standards, and is cost effective.
- Our installation teams will be on hand to deliver your system, with a breadth of experience delivering complex installations.
Why choose Better Planet?
- Our understanding of heat pumps: We have been installing renewables since 2006 and have installed over 1,000 projects. We work with a range of manufacturers which allows us to identify the best solution for your unique building.
- Our understanding of standards and regs: We work closely aligned to various standards and planning regulations, and can work with you to ensure that your building complies.
- Single point of contact: We consult, design and install your solution, so you won’t have to engage with multiple suppliers. Our offering means it’s easier manage your project.
- We care: At Better Planet, we believe that delivering innovative energy solutions goes beyond technology – it’s about building partnerships. As a family-owned business, we care deeply about the success of every client and every project. Our team is committed to working closely with you to understand your unique challenges and goals, tailoring our approach to ensure each project is a success. With Better Planet, you’ll find a partner who genuinely values your vision and is invested in helping you achieve sustainable, impactful results. From the initial consultation to project completion, we’re by your side, offering guidance, expertise, and a commitment to excellence that you can rely on.
Ready to kick off your project?
Our team is on hand to support your project. Organise a free consultation today. We would love to work with you!
