Report on Sustainable District Heating Solutions and the Role of GreenID Pipes in Achieving SDGs

Introduction

With the United Kingdom’s climate targets approaching and the limitations of aging heating systems becoming evident, district heating is gaining critical attention. The expansion and modernization of low-carbon heat networks are essential to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This report examines the current challenges and innovations in district heating, emphasizing sustainable materials and regulatory frameworks.

Current Status and Future Targets for District Heating in the UK

1. District heating networks currently serve only 2-3% of the UK’s heat demand.
2. The UK government and the Climate Change Committee aim to increase this share to approximately 20% by 2050 to support large-scale decarbonization of buildings.
3. New heat zoning regulations effective from 2025 and over £330 million in funding are driving accelerated deployment of heat networks.

These developments align with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting sustainable urban infrastructure.

Challenges: Aging Infrastructure and Emissions

• Many existing district heating systems remain gas-powered with infrastructure several decades old.
• Outdated heat centers and inefficient distribution pipes contribute to high emissions and elevated customer costs.
• The 2023 Energy Act introduces regulation by Ofgem from 2024, enforcing minimum technical standards and emissions limits to improve accountability and environmental performance.

Addressing these challenges supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Innovations in Sustainable Materials: The GreenID Pipe System

Overview of GreenID

• GreenID is a pre-insulated pipe system developed by Radpol Pipes, featuring a protective casing made entirely from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
• The closed-loop recycling process reduces CO2 emissions by up to 1.5 tonnes per tonne of material compared to conventional virgin HDPE.
• GreenID complies fully with EN 253 European standards, ensuring durability with a service life exceeding 30 years at continuous temperatures up to 120°C.
• In-house HDPE regranulation guarantees consistent quality, improved logistics, and full traceability.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

1. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): GreenID exemplifies innovation in infrastructure materials, enhancing system performance and sustainability.
2. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The circular economy approach reduces embodied carbon and waste.
3. SDG 13 (Climate Action): Lower CO2 emissions contribute directly to climate mitigation efforts.
4. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Enables cleaner, more efficient urban heating solutions.

Stakeholder Benefits and Market Impact

• Local Authorities and Developers: Access to sustainable, cost-effective materials that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
• Investors: Opportunities to finance projects with reduced carbon footprints and enhanced regulatory compliance.
• Contractors: Availability of specification-ready, high-quality solutions that add value in tendering processes.

Conclusion: Advancing Toward a Sustainable Heat Future

The transition to a zoned, regulated, and decarbonized heat sector in the UK requires comprehensive upgrades beyond fuel switching. Incorporating smarter materials such as Radpol Pipes’ GreenID supports the full modernization of heat networks, contributing significantly to multiple SDGs. This approach represents a strategic investment for councils, developers, and operators committed to sustainable energy infrastructure and climate goals.

Contact Information

Radpol Pipes sp. z o.o.
Kolonia Prawiedniki 57
20-515 Lublin
Tel.: +48 81 750 01 70
Email: info@radpolpipes.eu

Press Officer:
Dariusz Chrzanowski
Mobile: +48 507 074 449
Email: dchrzanowski@radpolpipes.eu
Website: https://radpolpipes.eu

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses the expansion and modernization of district heating networks to provide low-carbon heat, aligning with the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Focus on upgrading aging heating infrastructure with innovative materials such as recycled HDPE pipes supports resilient infrastructure and promotes sustainable industrialization.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • District heating networks are particularly suited for dense urban areas, contributing to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The circular economy approach in producing recycled HDPE casings for pipes promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article emphasizes reducing carbon emissions through decarbonizing heating systems and using low-emission materials, supporting urgent action to combat climate change.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 9
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
3. SDG 11
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
4. SDG 12
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
   • Target 12.6: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and sustainability reporting.
5. SDG 13
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Share of heat demand served by district heating networks
   • The article mentions the current 2-3% share and the target to increase it to around 20% by 2050, which corresponds to measuring progress in expanding low-carbon heating infrastructure.
2. CO2 emissions reduction
   • Reduction of embodied carbon emissions by up to 1.5 tonnes CO2 per tonne of recycled HDPE used is an indicator of environmental impact reduction.
3. Compliance with technical and emissions standards
   • Meeting minimum technical standards and emissions limits as regulated by Ofgem under the 2023 Energy Act is an indicator of improved system performance and environmental compliance.
4. Use of recycled materials in infrastructure
   • The proportion of recycled plastic used in pipe casings (GreenID’s 100% recycled HDPE casing) serves as an indicator of circular economy adoption.
5. Service life and durability of heating infrastructure
   • GreenID pipes’ service life of over 30 years at continuous temperatures up to 120°C indicates long-term sustainability and reliability.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: openpr.com