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Boiler maker calls for radical shake-up of home heating industry and action from Government to bring about sustainable energy revolution.
In a report published on Tuesday, heating manufacturer Baxi laments the painfully slow progress by industry and Government in bringing about a roll-out of sustainable energy technologies across the UK’s existing housing stock. The group believes that real, lasting change will only be possible if householders are financially incentivised.
The report ‘Sustainable Home Heating; It’s time for a step change’ highlights the challenge of reducing harmful CO2 emissions caused by domestic gas and electricity use. Heating homes currently accounts for 27% of the UK’s total CO2 emissions.
Important initial steps have been made by Ministers, who have introduced and acted upon the Government’s Microgeneration Strategy published in 2006. Crucially however,
The report recognises that important initial steps have been made, but points out that the hoped for sales increases in domestic sustainable energy products have not materialised. It demands the Government adopt a more ambitious approach but also says that industry must lose the desire to maintain ‘business as usual’. Industry and Government must work together and demonstrate the business and environmental case for sustainable energy, so that it becomes the only choice for future policy.
Baxi Group CEO Mark Kelly spoke about the report, alongside Malcolm Wicks, Minister of State for Energy, at the Labour Party Climate Clinic conference fringe event at 17:45 on Tuesday.
Baxi believe that real changes will only take place if householders are fully rewarded for producing renewable and low carbon energy, heat and electricity. Any support to encourage the roll-out of sustainable energy technology must also include micro-CHP.
Kelly said: “For too long, sales of sustainable energy technologies in the UK have languished behind those of our European neighbours, yet the UK boiler replacement market is the largest in Europe. Yes, it is important to get the policy framework right, and we have included our own views on financial incentives and other issues within the report. But industry itself must take bold action and move forward.”
Kelly will also be speaking alongside Greg Barker, Shadow Minister for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, at the Conservative Party Climate Clinic conference fringe event at 12:45 on Monday 29 September.
