Ideal Commercial Heating has launched a new CIBSE-approved CPD titled ‘Low carbon hybrid heating system considerations’ designed to help specifiers and building services engineers navigate the complexity of designing heating systems that meet the needs of users whilst reducing carbon emissions.

The new CPD provides a practical, real-world overview of how hybrid and bivalent systems can support the decarbonisation of commercial buildings, while addressing the constraints that often limit the adoption of fully electric solutions.

With heating responsible for a significant proportion of the UK’s carbon emissions, and the commercial sector accounting for around 20% of heat-related emissions, the CPD examines the key drivers behind the transition to low carbon heating, including net zero targets and evolving legislation.

The session explores how combining heat pumps with gas boilers can provide a flexible and pragmatic route to reducing emissions. It highlights the differences between hybrid (parallel) and bivalent (switchable) systems, and how each approach can be applied depending on building requirements and operational priorities.

Importantly for specifiers and engineers working on both new build and retrofit projects, the CPD focuses on the practical considerations that influence system selection. These include system temperatures, heating circuit compatibility, electrical capacity, available plant space, and the challenges associated with integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure.

A key theme throughout is the role of hybrid systems in enabling phased decarbonisation. Rather than requiring full system replacement, hybrid approaches allow engineers to incrementally introduce low carbon technologies, helping to manage capital expenditure, minimise disruption, and futureproof buildings for further upgrades

The CPD also addresses one of the most complex aspects of low temperature heating design: domestic hot water (DHW). It examines why DHW can present challenges in hybrid systems and outlines the growing trend towards decoupled solutions to optimise both performance and compliance.

Commenting on the new CPD, Richard Brown, Head of Specification at Ideal Commercial Heating, said: “Decarbonising commercial heating is rarely a straightforward process, particularly in existing buildings where there are constraints around space, electrical capacity and system temperatures. This CPD is designed to give specifiers a clear, structured approach to evaluating hybrid systems, helping them to identify the most appropriate solution for each project. In many cases, hybrid systems offer a practical and achievable route to reducing carbon emissions without compromising performance.”

Designed for a broad audience, including mechanical and building services engineers, consultants and contractors, the CPD provides a structured decision-making framework to support specification. It guides attendees through assessing building heat loads, evaluating electrical infrastructure, and determining whether a hybrid or fully electric approach is most appropriate.

Delivered by Ideal Commercial Heating’s experienced specification team, the CPD presentation is available both online and in person nationwide, offering flexible learning opportunities for industry professionals across the UK.

This latest addition strengthens Ideal Commercial Heating’s portfolio of CIBSE-approved CPDs, which are designed to support engineers and specifiers in responding to the rapidly evolving demands of commercial heating design. To learn more about Ideal Commercial Heating’s CPD programme, or to book a place, visit: idealcommercialboilers.com/cpd-courses.