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Incentivising commercial decarbonisation: A multi-technology approach
Steve McConnell, director at ICOM, discusses the need for a multi- technology approach to decarbonising commercial heating and the need for government incentivisation and collaboration with industry to effectively meet Net Zero goals
W
ith Net Zero targets set for 2050, the heating industry and trade training organisations must all act together to meet
the ambitious goals. The switch to heat pumps is becoming more popular for commercial buildings. However, with requirements varying across different buildings, the industry must draw on a multi- dimensional approach if it is to effectively implement action against climate change. Initiatives like the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat
Incentive (RHI) provide subsidies for commercial buildings to install technology to decarbonise, ensuring technology is utilised effectively and efficiency for end users is delivered. Hybrid systems, heat pumps, electric technology and, in the long-term, hydrogen boilers must all work in figurative tandem if the UK is to successfully decarbonise commercial heating networks.
Hybrid systems in decarbonisation
The Government’s Improving Boiler Standards and Efficiency consultation raises questions around hybrid heat pump technology – suggesting a possible move to direct funding in this area. For the commercial heating sector, hybrids represent a route
to decarbonisation that allows for flexible delivery of heating and hot water as requirements from occupants and end users varies on a site. ICOM views a hybrid heat pump as the combination
of an electric-driven air source heat pump with a new or existing gas boiler, alongside a single control that operates the full system. There is also the option to use Oil and LPG boilers along with biofuels for those sites that are off the gas grid. As such, a hybrid system gives specifiers and
contractors the chance to choose a greener option for their projects to give greater flexibility and adaptability for end users. With the correct awareness and funding, hybrid heat pumps can enable the desired uptake of low carbon heating technology, paving the way towards a net zero future.
Where does the UK stand?
Heat pump technology has frequently been discussed as a fundamental part of the journey towards decarbonising buildings. While undoubtedly beneficial to climate goals, the varied building fabric within the UK, compared to Europe, means installation is complex, slowing the transition to Net Zero. The challenge of encouraging uptake of heat pumps has
Director of ICOM Steve Mcconnell
paved the way for the Government’s deployment target of 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028, an ambitious attempt to drive demand. Contrastingly, data suggests that the UK is not
where it wants to be in relation to European progress. Research conducted by the Eco Experts places the UK 20th out of 21 European countries for heat pumps installed per 100,000 people. The European average sits at 3,068 heat pumps per 100,000 people, with the UK dropping behind at 412 per 100,000 people. In order to ensure the gap is made up to European
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September 2023
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