Low Carbon Home 31
Heat is the largest single source of UK carbon emissions, accounting for over one-third whilst decarbonising heat stands as one of the most significant challenges in reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. To overcome this challenge it is vital business, government, regulators and communities work together to shape the policies and delivery mechanisms that will be needed.
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) has called for a review of the limited £100 million funding that government has provisionally made available for its proposed Clean Heat Grant scheme (CHGS).
REI spoke with Ecuity on the green recovery, and how this could accelerate, generate and support local jobs
With a full Budget to follow in the Autumn, Sunak said that the government wanted to deliver an economic stimulus package with “the environment at its heart”.
Annual milestones and a six month extension for energy suppliers is set to be part of a four-year policy framework set out by the government to ensure that all reasonable measures to install smart meters in households and small businesses have been taken.
Business and public leaders from across the UK have united to call on government to pledge £5 billion towards retrofitting local renewable energy systems and energy efficiency measures.
The chief executive of MCS said he could see some early signs of recovery in the UK’s domestic renewable energy installation market as the government’s coronavirus lockdown restrictions begin to lift, but warned investment in a green economy was needed to increase economic and environmental resilience.
A new report from Leeds University revealed the top ten ways to reduce our carbon footprint this month and it is no surprise to see heat pumps on the list. The lead author of the study, Dr Diana Ivanova echoed what many have been calling for well before the health crisis began. Over the last few months, our lives have transformed beyond comprehension and yet government guidelines have quickly become the ‘norm’ for many. We have undergone changes that few could have anticipated and that many would have believed impossible, and we must keep the lessons we have learned close as we start to distance ourselves from the pandemic.
It follows the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) launching the ‘Future support for low carbon heat’ consultation, detailing its proposals for support mechanisms following the closure of the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
The Public Attitudes Tracker (PAT) survey looks into public attitudes towards Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) policies including climate change, artificial intelligence, workers’ rights and much more.
To drive through the changes needed to reach its carbon reduction targets, the government will need to shake up the current way that things are done in the heating industry. OFTEC has dusted off its crystal ball and here considers a few of the most likely policy options the government may consider.
Dave Sowden, chairman of Ecuity Consulting and strategic advisor to Sustainable Energy Association discusses the UK’s progress in decarbonising heat.
In light of the Clean Heat Grant (CHG) proposal, Bruce Allen, HETAS CEO shares his thoughts on what this means for biomass.
The Government is proposing a Clean Heat Grant Scheme (CHGS) that would commence from 2022, offering upfront funding of up to £4000 for each household or business purchasing renewable heating technologies. A tariff-based Green Gas Support Scheme is also being proposed to increase the percentage of biomethane available on the gas grid from anaerobic digestion facilities.
Rory Mathews, economic analyst at Ecuity Consulting LLP discusses why the CHGS is ‘a step in the right direction’.
The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) has confirmed that heating engineers working in the domestic and commercial sectors are eligible for COVID-19 testing.
Checkatrade has announced that it will offer free affiliate membership until the end of 2020, in order to support installers and other businesses though the current difficult trading conditions.
Industry bodies and renewable heating suppliers have cautiously welcomed the Government’s publication of its consultation on future support for low carbon heat.
The Government must announce plans to consult on the introduction of a carbon intensity standard for heating within its forthcoming Buildings Strategy.
At the time of writing, 28 April 2020 marks the day when Great Britain broke the record for the longest period of electricity generation without coal, energy data analyst EnAppSys has revealed.
In February this year, Eco2Solar conducted a nationwide survey through OnePoll, asking 1,000 consumers across Britain for their opinions on Climate Change
The Solar Trade Association has criticised the 2020 Budget Announcement for not going far enough to support “the transition to a low-carbon economy”.
Renewable energy installers are being reminded of the importance of following government guidance on social distancing, in order to tackle the outbreak of Coronavirus.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government invited comments on plans to reduce emissions from new homes built after 2025. The frontpage proposal is aimed at replacing gas boiler connections with heat pumps, heat networks and direct electric heating.