That is according to the Sustainable Energy Association, which published the findings of its own consultation on the concept on April 22.
In its latest policy paper Off Grid, Off Carbon: Regulating the decarbonisation of heat in homes off the gas grid, SEA says that a carbon intensity standard would be administered at industry level and encouraged through a range of enablers to facilitate its introduction including rebalancing fuel duties, customer incentives and a robust enforcement framework.
SEA argues that, together, these would complement energy efficiency improvements and encourage greater uptake of insultation and low carbon heating systems in a way that guarantees lower carbon emissions while also maintaining consumer choice.
The regulation is designed to only apply to heating systems at the point of replacement, so as to minimise disruption.
Jade Lewis, SEA chief executive, said; “This report is a demonstration of how industry can collaborate to tackle some of the greatest challenges ahead of us, and there is no doubt that heat decarbonisation is one of those.
“At a time of great uncertainty is it paramount that regulation is introduced to provide confidence and stability so that investors and manufacturers of low carbon heating systems can scale up investment and production, encourage innovation, and upskill the workforce.”
She added; “The SEA is hopeful that the proposals put forward will influence Government plans to decarbonise the UK’s building stock and ensure that homes are fit for the generations to come.”