Polymer specialist REHAU has launched its latest generation of its pre-insulated pipework to help specifiers and contractors deliver low carbon district heat networks.

As the Future Homes Standard 2025 looms and efficient, sustainable heating solutions fast become the priority, specifiers, developers and building services providers require comprehensive systems with low heat losses and low carbon heat source compatibility.

With this in mind, REHAU has improved its RAUTHERMEX range to keep up with industry demand and demonstrate its commitment to net zero progress. The bonded polyurethane (PU) foam of this pre-insulated pipe now achieves a best in class lambda value of 0.0199W/mK, improved from 0.0216W/mK, which equates to around 7-8% heat loss improvement across the RAUTHERMEX range. In addition, the new more profiled outer jacket of the latest generation reduces the bending radius by up to 30% and less force is needed to bend the pipe on site.

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The improvement comes as part of a number of developments by the supplier in efficient polymer district heating solutions. With current initiatives like the Heat Networks Investment Project and the Green Heat Networks Scheme set to replace it in 2022, low carbon district heating is fast becoming a viable choice for heating the nation’s building stock. To remain in line with sustainability targets while keeping up with exponentially growing demand for housing, specifiers and developers must be equipped with suitable solutions for delivering entire networks.

Suited to fourth-generation networks supplied by low carbon heat pumps or waste heat sources, specifiers and contractors can utilise a full range of polymer solutions for the entire network. As district heating infrastructure grows across the UK, REHAU has developed solutions applicable to every aspect, including large diameter PP-R pipework for main spines and the NEXUS hot tapping device for reliable connections to existing networks.

Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions, said: "As a market-leading supplier of polymer district heating pipework, we strive to continually innovate and improve our range to equip building industry professionals with high performance, efficient solutions. We are committed to delivering systems with improved heat loss figures and high performance suited to the low carbon networks that will become more common thanks to government initiatives over the coming years."