INDUSTRY NEWS
GOVERNMENT URGED TO OFFER ‘MIDDLE GROUND’ HYBRID HEATING SYSTEMS
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ew research has found that over two-thirds (68%) of UK homeowners think hybrid heating systems should be covered by government
grants, suggesting the UK is missing a major opportunity to reduce the carbon emissions linked to home heating. The data, commissioned by Cadent, the gas distribution network, exposes a level of discontent over the current Boiler Upgrade Scheme’s (BUS) off erings. Currently off ering £7,500 off the cost of a standard heat pump, the majority surveyed seek an expansion of the BUS to other cheaper, yet eco- friendly, alternatives. Hybrid heating systems, which combine a small air
source heat pump with a small gas boiler for winter peaks and hot water, can immediately cut carbon emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional gas heating. According to recent analysis by Cadent, this reduction could reach up to 80% by 2030 if the electricity grid continues to decarbonise at its current rate. These systems are less disruptive to install, can span a wider range of housing stock – including the Victorian properties that make up nearly fi ve million homes in the UK – and off er a way to make
carbon savings immediately. These systems are rapidly gathering pace across Europe with France, Germany and the Netherlands all installing them at scale. The new data also showed that
over 50% would be more likely to upgrade their heating systems if hybrid heat pumps qualifi ed for subsidies. Meanwhile, three quarters (75%)
say current Government incentives of up to £7,500 to subsidise standard electric heat pumps do not make them likely to consider installing a heat pump in their home in the next 12 months. Cost remains a major barrier for upgrades, with
60% unwilling to switch to a heat pump if installation costs exceeded £7,000 after subsidies, rising to almost 70% who would refuse to switch if the costs were £10,000 or more. Hybrid heat pump installations are a cheaper
alternative for consumers, typically costing 30-40% less than standard heat pumps with an average cost
homes.
Dr Angela Needle, director of strategy at Cadent highlighted: “The electric vehicle market is already embracing hybrid solutions – heating should not be any diff erent. “The Government should adapt its policies to
refl ect public demand and market realities by reducing the upfront fi nancial barriers to hybrid heat pumps, making this energy-effi cient technology accessible to a wider audience and signifi cantly advancing the UK’s decarbonisation eff orts.
of £8,000-£9,000 compared to £13,000 for a standard heat pump.
With the Government targeting an ambitious 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028, yet stagnating at only 260,000 installed so far in total, the inclusion of hybrid heating systems in the BUS accompanied with an upfront grant of £2,500 would give consumers more choice, maximise carbon savings per pound of public spending and accelerate the decarbonisation of
DAVID COOPER MBE ANNOUNCED AS CIBSE PRESIDENT ELECT FOR 2025/26
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IBSE has announced David Cooper MBE as its President Elect for the 2025/26 term. A distinguished engineer with over 40 years of
experience in the lift and escalator industry, David brings unparalleled expertise and leadership to CIBSE, advancing its mission to champion safe, sustainable and high-performing built environments. David began his career as an apprentice with the British Railways Board before joining KONE, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of lifts and escalators, where he rose to the role of Regional Safety Manager. His experience expanded further as an engineer surveyor with Royal Insurance UK, conducting statutory inspections, commissioning oversight and training new engineer surveyors. As CEO of LECS (UK), David has led the company
to become a prominent consultancy in the lift and escalator sector. He has directed numerous
award-winning projects worldwide, including the Emirates Cable Car in London, the Mecca Metro, and the Hastings Cliff Railway. His portfolio spans lifts, escalators, passenger walkways, façade access systems and cable cars, showcasing his broad expertise in design, installation, modernisation, safety and project management. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about driving innovation and safety in the lift and escalator industry, while mentoring the next generation of engineers. I’m deeply honoured to step into the role of President Elect and look forward to working with CIBSE to support the industry’s evolution towards net zero and excellence in the built environment” said David Cooper MBE. His contributions to the industry have been
recognised with an MBE in 2023 for services to lift and escalator engineering, further cementing his legacy as a leader in the fi eld. David is also a Visiting Professor at the
Above: David Cooper MBE
University of Northampton and a Fellow of several prestigious engineering institutions, including CIBSE, IET and IMechE. His academic achievements include an undergraduate degree BSc (Hons) and two post-graduate master degrees: MSc & MPhil, refl ecting his commitment to lifelong learning and innovation.
6 June 2025
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