A key element in the debate about reducing UK carbon emissions from homes is how affordable it would be, for government and consumers, to achieve near zero emissions, in both new homes and in existing housing stock. This article explores options for building new homes, illustrating the issues using an example 3 bedroom detached house of floor area 80m2. To deliver on its … [Read more...]
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Energy Used In UK Homes
Recent climate change protests by Extinction Rebellion are a good prompt to take a look at energy consumption in the home and how to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions. This article's focus is on domestic central heating systems, responsible for around 80% of a typical home's energy consumption, and how individuals assisted by the UK government can make a difference. The financial … [Read more...]
Chancellor Confirms A Ban On Gas Boilers In New Homes From 2025
Chancellor Philip Hammond announced in the Spring Statement on 13 March 2019 that: "We will introduce a Future Homes Standard, mandating the end of fossil-fuel heating systems in all new houses from 2025.""We will publish proposals to require an increased proportion of green gas in the grid, advancing decarbonisation of our mains gas supply." These announcements … [Read more...]
Is Hydrogen A Future Option For Reducing Carbon Emissions From Central Heating Systems?
Awareness of the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions to reduce the impact of climate change is reaching mainstream media. Recently, schoolchildren and young people in the UK have taken part in climate strikes urging that action is taken (See Guardian 15 Feb 19, Climate strike: UK school pupils take part in call for urgent action). The Committee on Climate Change (the CCC) has … [Read more...]
Why Gas Boilers Could Be Banned In New Homes By 2025
A recent report, "UK housing: Fit for the future?", suggests that houses built after 2025 should not be connected to the gas grid. This would effectively ban householders in new homes from using gas boilers for space and water heating and using gas hobs for cooking. The report suggests that alternative technology, such as heat pumps powered by electricity, would be used for … [Read more...]