Representing one-fifth of the global carbon emissions, housing is a key area for decarbonisation. More than 12 million homes in the UK fall below the C grade on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) graded from A-G. The average household in the UK emits 2.7 tonnes of CO2 every year from heating their home.
Retrofitting existing housing stocks is vital for delivering low-carbon houses. Although low carbon houses may be easily achieved in new-builds, upgrading components of the houses, such as insulation and cladding, as well as installing renewable and energy-efficient technologies, creates a path for us to mitigate climate change, achieve long term sustainable goals and improve residents living standards at the same time.
The Climate Change Committee has recommended that "the 29 million existing homes across the UK must be made low-carbon, low-energy and resilient to a changing climate. This is a UK infrastructure priority and should be supported by HM Treasury. Homes should use low-carbon sources of heating such as heat pumps and heat networks".
Earlier this March, BEIS launched a new consultation for its Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme.
The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme is the government’s main mechanism for supporting low-carbon electricity generation.
CfDs incentivise investment in renewable energy by providing developers of projects with high upfront costs and long lifetimes with direct protection from volatile wholesale prices, and they protect consumers from paying increased support costs when electricity prices are high.
The scheme will be open to renewable technologies and it will also be changed to facilitate the deployment of energy storage.
The consultation outlined proposals to ensure the Contracts for Difference scheme can support the increased ambition required, including:
making the UK a world-leader in new technologies such as floating offshore wind, which would allow wind farms to be built further away from the shore and increase clean energy capacity
supporting our renewables supply chain to enhance productivity and increase competitiveness, boosting the UK’s world-class clean energy industry
improving the scheme to better support energy storage, so projects can provide power when the wind stops blowing or the sun is not shining
Secretary of State for Business and Energy Alok Sharma said: “Ending our contribution to climate change means making the UK a world leader in renewable energy. We are determined to do that in a way that works for everyone, listening to local communities.”
Investing in green technologies will allow residents to benefit from producing and storing their own energy to use as and when they need it.
These aspects show how the sector can actively and positively contribute to green growth within the UK however with all the renewable technologies the need for maintenance care arises.
Ecolution Group is currently the top provider of servicing and maintenance care within the UK, with offices in Kent and Norfolk. We currently offer specialist renewable asset management and maintenance, whilst supporting our clients in reducing fuel poverty and educating tenants on the most effective methods of energy management.