BEIS Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Climate Change, Lord Callanan, joined an expert panel to discuss the beginning of the journey to zero emissions, on which the heating industry and its customers are about to embark.
A key theme and outcome of the panel discussion was the pressing need for government and industry to engage consumers and influential heating installers. The widely-held view was that it was becoming essential to explain the benefits and transition path to new forms of low-carbon heat, namely hydrogen boilers, heat pumps, and heat networks.
Sustainable heating
Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director of Baxi UK & Ireland, opened the virtual seminar by outlining the company’s plans to lead a sustainable heating revolution. This included Baxi’s ongoing research and development of low-carbon technologies and its role in educating customers and installers.
The expert panel was also attended by Emma Pinchbeck, CEO of Energy UK, Ian Rippin, CEO of Microgeneration Certificate Scheme and Mike Thornton, CEO of Energy Saving Trust, who explored the imminent need to begin decarbonizing heating with current low carbon technologies, while future technologies and solutions are developed.
Low-carbon heating & hot water technologies
Panelists agreed it was critical to deliver clear-cut solutions to meet the energy needs for the buildings
The panelists highlighted that, although there are known technologies and solutions that will help in this process, there are still challenges. This includes upskilling heating engineers to be able to install new low-carbon heating and hot water technologies.
Although the mix of low carbon technologies and its implementation has much further to go panelists agreed it was critical to deliver clear-cut solutions to meet the energy needs for the wide variety of buildings in the UK. To be successful, it was emphasized that it is the time for action to deliver a sustainable future for generations to come.
Decarbonization
Karen Boswell says, “We are pleased to have started the first of many discussions which demonstrate Baxi, the Government, and key industry organizations are fully committed to plans for the decarbonization of heating and buildings.”
“Making low carbon solutions readily available, ensuring there is a rich body of professionals to install them, and engaging the general public will be key to starting this progress. We can’t wait for a single, clear-cut solution that will likely never arise. Right now, we must get consumers and industry professionals on the side to support the solutions, training, and new services that are needed long into the future.”
Low carbon heating revolution
“Baxi is committed to leading the low carbon heating revolution. All products we manufacture will from 2025 work with low carbon energy sources and we have pledged that, by 2030, we will be net-zero across our operations in the UK. In the meantime, we’re eager to get the conversation started with our industry partners and customers to ensure we make the transition that is coming as smooth as possible.”