Ask ME

In this episode we look at the new Ecodan R290 CAHV-Z Commercial Air Source Heat Pump from Mitsubishi Electric. Harvey Loyal, Mitsubishi Electric Product and Market Intelligence Specialist, speaks with Samira Savari, Hydronics Product Manager, both of Mitsubishi Electric.  They discuss the current climate in the commercial heat pump market and the regulatory shifts, especially around refrigerants, alongside the commercial heating legacy of Mitsubishi Electric. The podcast then talks in detail about the new Ecodan CAHV-Z, it’s features and benefits, application possibilities and much more.

In this episode of the ‘Consultant Focus – Let’s Talk’ podcast series, we look at the new City Multi R32 VRF YXM range. Harvey Loyal, Mitsubishi Electric Product and Market Intelligence Specialist, speaks with Mark Grayston, Product Strategy and Delivery Manager, and Jobin Varghese, VRF and Hybrid VRF Product Manager, both of Mitsubishi Electric.  They discuss the features and benefits of the versatile new range, which will soon be available in system capacities ranging from 12 to 113kW, with options for both Heat Pump and Heat Recovery. This next-generation plug-and-play VRF system features a newly engineered, ultra-compact modular YXM chassis that has a 6% smaller footprint than the market average. The enhanced range also offers flexible piping layouts, new and improved defrost technology, exceptionally low noise levels, and compliance with BS EN 378 Part 3 safety standards.  They will also consider the key design, install and planning flexibilities of the new range and the support available to you to be able to specify products from the range. Listen to the podcast today to learn how Mitsubishi Electric can support Consultants and Specifiers with specifying the new City Multi R32 VRF YXM range.

In the latest edition of the ‘Consultant Focus – Let’s Talk’ podcast series, we look at the challenges and opportunities involved in Heat Networks and Multi-Residential applications. Harvey Loyal, Mitsubishi Electric Product and Market Intelligence Specialist, speaks with Samira Saravi, Hydronics Product Manager and Hern Yau, Ventilation Product Manager, both of Mitsubishi Electric, about heat decarbonisation and how one way of facilitating this is through the innovative use of 5th Generation Heat Networks. They discuss the background and history of heat networks, the funding available for them and the products and services that Mitsubishi Electric have on offer to facilitate their use, including water-to-water heat pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems. Listen to the podcast today to learn how Mitsubishi Electric can support Consultants and Specifiers with the delivery of heat network projects.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Ask | ME podcast. In this episode, Mitsubishi Electric's Lance Hitchens, Head of Customer Experience and Ben Bartle-Ross, Senior Technical Trainer talk at length with Helen Yeulet, Director of Competence & Compliance at BESA Group. Focusing on the current shortage of qualified installers and HVAC engineers, they discuss strategies to increase both uptake of low carbon heating technologies and training for ASHP engineers.

In this episode, the team from Mitsubishi Electric's Sustainability and Construction division heads to Chester Zoo to talk with key figures about their ambitious plans for sustainability and decarbonisation—and how Mitsubishi Electric is playing a vital role in helping bring those goals to life. Host Dan Smith leads an inspiring conversation with Chester Zoo’s Jenifer Kelly, Head of Sustainability and Rob Arathoon, M&E Projects Manager, along with Mitsubishi Electric’s own Chris Newman, Zero Carbon Design Team Manager.Together, they explore the zoo’s forward-thinking approach to energy efficiency, from integrating cutting-edge heat pump technology to tackling the unique challenges of running a complex, dynamic environment like a zoo. This episode is packed with insights on how this collaboration not only supports the zoo’s sustainability objectives but also aims to inspire a wider audience through community engagement and conservation education. It’s a must-listen for anyone passionate about the power of partnerships in creating a sustainable future.

Rob Conway is joined by Harvey Loyal, Market & Product Intelligence Specialist and Mark Grayston, Product Strategy & Delivery Manager from Mitsubishi Electric, as they discuss the challenges facing Consultants and Specifiers when designing heating, cooling and ventilation solutions for public sector buildings. Listen to the podcast to hear more about what government is doing to incentivise the transition to heat pumps and what this will mean as the industry develops. We touch on both the legislation and initiatives that are driving the changes in the way we will need to heat, cool and ventilate public sector buildings in future. From hospitals to schools, to leisure applications, each client has specific technical needs and here we discuss the product innovations from Mitsubishi Electric, and what they mean for decarbonisation of this sector.

Rob Conway is joined by Richard Venga, Business Manager – Engineered Solutions at Mitsubishi Electric, for a discussion on the challenges facing HVAC Consultants and Specifiers when designing heating, cooling and ventilation solutions for large commercial buildings. Richard discusses the legislation and initiatives driving the changes in the way we will need to heat, cool and ventilate large buildings. From hospitals and schools to large commercial premises, each client has specific technical needs. During the podcast, we discuss the technological developments and innovations from Mitsubishi Electric, and what they mean for decarbonisation of the commercial sector. (18:14) - Marker 01 (31:00) - Marker 02

The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, as discussed by David Partridge in this podcast, marks a significant milestone in sustainable building in the UK. This initiative, which David chairs, aims to unify the concept of sustainability in the building industry by providing a clear, measurable standard for sustainable practices. It addresses the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encompassing both new constructions and retrofits, and targets both embodied and operational carbon. This standard is a response to the industry's evolution from raising awareness to actively engaging in emission reduction, representing a deeper commitment to sustainability.The standard not only defines 'good' sustainable practices but also confronts greenwashing by promoting transparency and uniform evaluation of Net Zero claims. It has practical implications, particularly in financial contexts, where adherence could lead to favourable loan conditions, thus incentivising sustainability. The initiative aligns with other metrics and standards, simplifying efforts across the industry. Looking forward, the standard aims for self-policing and will influence future government legislation. The challenge remains in verifying and enforcing compliance, with possibilities ranging from qualified professionals to a dedicated verification body. Overall, the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard is a collective commitment to a sustainable future, aiming to eradicate greenwashing and transform sustainable building in the UK.

Join Dan Smith, National Sustainability & Construction Manager, and Chris Newman, Zero Carbon Design Manager from Mitsubishi Electric, along with Bradley Bennett, Mike Linehan, and Paul Sullivan from ISG, the Global Construction Company. The conversation focuses on the challenges that construction firms face in the retrofit sector as we move towards a net zero future.

In the first episode in our Net Zero Series, in collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric and BESA, we are joined by Chris Skidmore OBE, Chair of Independent Government Review on Net Zero. His ‘Mission Zero’ review, which was published in January, made 129 recommendations for delivering a prosperous UK ‘green economy.’ These included speeding up decisions around low carbon heating, the role of energy efficiency in buildings, and accelerating the process of connecting renewable power generation to the country’s electricity grid.  Chris is joined by David Frise, Chief Executive, BESA, Martin Fahey – Head of Sustainability, Mitsubishi Electric, and Chris Newman – Zero Carbon Design Manager, Mitsubishi Electric.They discuss in detail:How building services have adapted before and can do it again, with BESA members urged to help government understand detailHow the UK will be warmer and richer thanks to net zero and will narrow the price gap between electricity and gasThe major barrier to net zero - our skills shortageOne trillion of inward investment possible this decade with 90% of global GDP focused on net zeroHow we need to link net zero to the safety agenda to drive compliance

Join Dan Smtih, National Sustainability & Construction Manager, and Martin Fahey, Head of Sustainability, as they talk to Nick Hounsfield, Founder, and Chief Vision Officer at The Wave. The conversation covers Nick's vision for Blue Health and his triple-bottom-line approach to business. 

Curious about what truly constitutes a "sustainable workspace" from both environmental and commercial perspectives? We were too! That's why Dan Smith and Martin Fahey from Mitsubishi Electric had an engaging conversation with Fenna Leake and Katherine Piper MSc from Future Leap Sustainable Business Hubs. We gained valuable insights into one of the UK's largest green business networks and explored the concept of a sustainable workspace in depth.

Join Dan Smith, Martin Fahey, and guest Holly Hansen-Maughan from the Supply Chain Sustainability School as they discuss the school's impact on companies working in the built environment and the challenges the Industry faces in meeting sustainability targets.

Rob Conway welcomes Mark Grayston, Product Strategy & Delivery Manager and Jobin Varghese, City Multi Product Manager, to provide their expert insights into City Multi. Simplicity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness have always been central to product design at Mitsubishi Electric. From embodied carbon, tough government regulations, stringent environmental targets and the fundamental drivers of energy efficiency, Mark and Jobin discuss the factors HVAC consultants need to be aware of to future-proof projects and how City Multi can provide an effective solution to achieve this.

In this episode, we talk with James Smurthwaite, founder of Green Net Zero, a consultancy practice set up to help businesses that are starting out on their zero-carbon strategy and looking to reduce their impact on the climate.

What knowledge do business leaders need to tackle the retrofit challenge amongst their building estates? In this episode, Richard Venga, Dan Smith, and Chris Newman discuss the steps building owners and corporate landlords need to take in order to avoid falling into the trap of stranded assets within their portfolios

Join Dan Smith, Martin Fahey, Chris Newman, and Mark Grayston as they discuss the problem of stranded assets in the built environment and how companies & building owners can avoid the impending pitfalls.

In this episode, Mike Egan and James Harman are joined by Marin Fahey, Head of Sustainability for Mitsubishi Electric UK & Ireland to discuss the topic of decarbonisation. They discuss Mitsubishi Electric own developments in this area and its Decarbonisation pledge and how other companies can kick start their decarbonisation journeys.Mike Egan  00:11All right. Welcome to the new series of ask me 2022. Myself, Mike Egan, Business Development Manager for Corporate Solutions.James Harman  00:19And myself, James Harman, also a business development manager in the Corporate Solutions team,Mike Egan  00:25and our guest today,Martin Fahey  00:26I'm Martin Fahey, I'm the head of sustainability for Mitsubishi Electric, UK and Ireland.Mike Egan  00:34Well, first of all, thank you guys for turning up today. So we're in the sunny Birmingham office. And the reason we're here is to talk about a topic of decarbonisation. Something which is talked by widely now. But if I go back when I joined nine years ago, Mitsubishi Electric, something which I never came across, I don't know. Same with yourself terms.James Harman  00:58Yeah, really, really interesting topic. Up until the last couple of years. It's it's something I hadn't come across. But it's something that clients are asking us how we can help their business, what solutions we can offer. And they're also interested in what Mitsubishi Electric are doing for decarbonisation within our organisation.Mike Egan  01:18Yeah, that rings true self, in fact, so you know, moving into this new role, and being more client focused is that this is the hot topic. It's the nothing, no conversation will not will always have this in mind. And one thing which I was conscious of, we've just been through last year ended last year there was COP26. So that raised the stakes in terms of people understanding about decarbonisation, and what that's around around the UK. But I think what we're, you know, what the idea of this day is to, is to look basically, inwardly and look at what Mitsubishi Electric have been doing. So we have the the pleasure of Martin with us today. So what we're going to do, Martin is going to, you know, have a few questions of fire here. And tell us a little bit more about what Mitsubishi Electric has been up to.Martin Fahey  02:07Of course, yep. Thank you very much. Thanks for having me. We've been on this journey now as Mitsubishi Electric for a lot of years, I was the sustainability manager, we call it the Green gateway manager role within our living environmental systems. Business, some 13 years ago now was the first time we we set ourselves out the ambition, I suppose to say, look, we could see this was a growing issue for us in our markets within that part of our business at the time, we are a solutions provider to buildings of every size, whether you live work or play in it. And we could see back then, that the discussion was evolving very much around how can we make these buildings at the time it was a straight discussion about efficiency. But that has grown. As your introduction highlighted there, Mike, I was fortunate enough to be at the copy events in Glasgow. And I came away from those with fired up really with a very clear understanding that governments, the UN bodies have set us the trajectory, we know where we need to go. Now we need to radically reduce our impacts as civilians as companies and as countries. But what I came away very much with was an understanding that it will be us as companies who are going to have to lead this lead this charge and make the changes required. So delighted to be here and looking forward to the discussion.Mike Egan  04:04So just just touching on cop 26. Did you find that do people go away knowing how to go ahead and look at this approach, you know, in terms of d carbon and net zero? Is there any you know, strategy you already had in mind? Or will people kind of ask them questions, so I know what we need to do. But how do I do it?Martin Fahey  04:26Well, it might be worth just highlighting the cop process. A cop stands for Conference of the Parties. And it brings together the countries of the world some around 200 Different nations all together every year to look at this. This problem that we all face, and cop 15 was in Paris and that is often referred to because it was there that those nations all agreed that we need to work together to make sure the global temperatures do not rise above an average of two degrees above pre industrial levels, and preferably keep that to be within one and a half degrees. And that was very much the focus in cop 26. They talk in terms of a ratcheting mechanism, whereby countries have a look at their plans and their targets. And are they robust enough? And are they following the science and what people left cop 26 with wild, they're saying, which was keeping 1.5 Alive was a sense that we can, if we all buckled down now and rally behind this as an effort as a global effort, we can keep global temperature rise to within that one degree 1.5 degree apologies. Now, recent reports tell us that we're very close to that already. So whereas we're looking to achieve what they call net zero in 2050, that may seem like a long, long way away. But we need to be halfway or more than halfway there by 2030, which as we sit here speaking, today is eight years away.James Harman  06:18I've found mine a lot of our clients, since cop 26, have kind of jumped off the back of that and made plans to be net zero. And probably the most common number for most of those clients is 2030 to be carbon neutral, but a lot of them as you say, haven't really got the actual process in place to get there. They've got the plan, but they haven't got the process. So it's just wondering kind of sort of steers down the route of what sort of steps they might take to get there. Yeah, of course,Martin Fahey  06:48what might be best is to highlight where we are in a global business. I mean, I have UK and Ireland responsibilities, but we have a far bigger team looking at this as our global footprint of some 150,000 employees, many factories, many offices, and different operations all around the world. Our environmental vision 2050, as we call it puts us on a journey to be net-zero by 2050. And I understand James, from what you're saying that a lot of people are pushing to go sooner than that. Yeah. But at the moment, that's, that's where we sit. So we we have put our plans in front of a body called science-based targets, they have independently verified that we do the things that we have laid out and plan to do, we will achieve net-zero and we will be where we need to be by 2030. Now you you've spoken about other companies that we're dealing with, are going at a quicker pace than that. Yeah. And that is a big subject of discussion in the community sustainability community. If you're like, at the moment, which is, do we need to go quicker? Do we need to go deeper is the two ways I would characterise it. So do we look to achieve Net Zero? Before 2050 2050? Is the absolute backstop? And should we be making sure that we do that with a one and a half degree trajectory as opposed to any other?Mike Egan  08:35So just Interestingly, though, is sometimes what I've come across is term carbon neutral. What's that one? That's confusing. Sometimes people talk about these and I'm a little bit. Yeah, can you help us?Martin Fahey  08:48It's a fair, it's, it's fair to be confused by them, because there's a lot of different terms out there. So you've mentioned carbon neutrality, carbon neutral, that is different from net zero. So it's probably worth just very briefly explaining that. So you could be in theory, carbon neutral, if you gather all the data of all yo...

In this episode, Mitsubishi Electric's James Smurthwaite was joined by Simon Pyne, Founder, and Director of Greener Energy Futures, to discuss how businesses can take the first steps on their NetZero journey. Together they discuss the changes, both big and small, that businesses can take to ensure their practices are helping towards NetZero targets, and they look at the challenges that many businesses face when trying to clean up their own portfolios, and industries.

In this episode, James Smurthwaite is joined by Martin Fahey, Mitsubishi Electric's Head of Sustainability. Together they take an internal look at Mitsubishi Electric's own NetZero and sustainability journey, and discuss the ways that the goals and targets have changed in the 17 years that Martin has been at the company. They also talk about the legislative changes and the impacts that those have had on carbon reduction across a number of industries.

To kick off the second mini-series of the Ask ME podcast, Mitsubishi Electric's corporate solutions team discuss all things sustainability, NetZero, and the decarbonisation of the built environment. Together they look at the small changes they make in their home lives, to the increased awareness and huge changes they are seeing take place within their sectors.

In this episode, Mitsubishi Electric's James Smurthwaite is joined by colleague Mark Grayston, Product Marketing Manager, to talk about embodied carbon. Together they discuss what embodied carbon actually is, how it's calculated, and what it means for companies on the NetZero journey.

In this episode, Mitsubishi Electric's James Smurthwaite and Kevin Pocock continue to look at Indoor Air Quality and are joined by Francesca Brady and Adam Taylor from AirRated. Together they discuss how air quality is measured, what qualifies as 'good' air quality and what impacts it. Plus what commercial building owners and tenants should be doing to improve the air inside their buildings.

In this episode, Mitsubishi Electric's James Smurthwaite and Kevin Pocock are joined for a second time by Nathan Wood, managing director of Farmwood M&E, Chairman of BESA, and Chairman of the IEQ Clean Air Taskforce at GCP Europe. In this follow-up episode Nathan, James and Kevin look again at Indoor Air Quality and delve into ways that it can be improved. They also speak about the benefits good air quality can have on our health, as well as the market opportunities this brings to buildings in the UK.

In this episode, Mitsubishi Electric's James Smurthwaite and Kevin Pocock are joined by Nathan Wood, managing director of Farmwood M&E, Chairman of BESA, and Chairman of the IEQ Clean Air Taskforce at GCP Europe. As part of the first episode of the Indoor Air Quality mini-series, the trio discusses exactly what good indoor air quality means, what is it impacted by, who's responsible for it, and what can be done to improve it both in the home and in the corporate environment.

Meet the other half of the Mitsubishi Electric Corporate Solutions team, Dan Smith and Kevin Pocock. They explain the steps that they are individually taking to improve their own carbon footprint, from using bamboo toothbrushes to switching to renewable energy providers. They also discuss the shift to sustainability and building decarbonisation that they've seen their clients embracing over the past 12 months.

To kick off the new Mitsubishi Electric Ask ME podcast, we meet Tom Hall and James Smurthwaite; two members of the Corporate Solutions Team. Together they discuss the challenges the last 12 months have created, both for individuals and for businesses. They also share the ways that they've been adapting to the new normal of home working and how they keep their sustainability and low carbon living in check with all the extra time they've spent at home.