Response to the article “Heat pumps are no better for the environment than today’s gas boilers” (17/10/2024)

VEKA shares the professor’s concerns about the environmental impact of heating devices. Europe is also aware of this and will demand more attention in the coming years on the environmental impact of the materials and installations used when renovating Flemish buildings. The materials and heating sector is also constantly evolving to reduce the environmental impact of their products as much as possible. VEKA has already requested the investigation and will investigate it thoroughly.

One of the leaders in Flemish energy and climate policy is saying goodbye to fossil fuels and switching to renewable sources for heating our building. A heat pump, together with heating networks, is at the forefront. A heat pump is the most suitable solution for the current climate: heating a home with a heat pump always produces less CO2 emissions than heating with a fossil fuel boiler. The study by Ghent University also shows this clearly.

In-depth life cycle analyzes are needed to estimate the environmental impact (additional impacts such as water use, processing of hazardous materials, etc.) as well as the climate impact (read: CO2 emissions). The data and assumptions are critical, for example in terms of cooling and leakage. VEKA notes that the study uses a refrigerant with a high global warming potential, which will no longer be allowed to be used in new residential heat pumps in the coming years. Many new generation heat pumps already use refrigerants that are less harmful to the environment. It is therefore a pity that these were not used in the study. This would make a more representative assessment possible. Life cycle analyzes of heat pumps also often refer to old data. The environmental impact of heat pumps must be done very precisely and based on recent figures.

VEKA will not come to premature conclusions based on the research carried out, but will thoroughly examine Professor Van den Bossche’s research. The environmental impact of materials and equipment is significant and will require even more attention in the coming years. But this does not change the fact that the heat pump is a very important technology within the energy transition.

More information on our website’Is a heat pump more climate friendly than a gas boiler?‘.