NEWS EXTRA
Robin Walker MP, Sajid Javid MP and Carl Arnzten, CEO of heating system manufacturer Worcester Bosch look at the possible future of boilers. heating - to get to Net Zero.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government began a consultation in early October on a Future Homes Standard to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise heating in England. The main announcement was ministers propose to end fossil-fuel heating in new homes by 2025.
Reducing emissions The 97-page document is the first part of a two-part consultation process. This consultation seeks views on reducing emissions from new homes built after 2025 by changing Part L (Fuel & Power) and Part F (Ventilation) of the Building Regulations. The ambition is to end gas boiler connections in 6 years’ time in favour of heat pumps, heat networks and direct electric heating. The Part L proposals are the most significant with two options put forward, as compared to the current 2013 Building Regs: • Option 1: a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions via higher fabric standards for new homes that typically have triple glazing, gas-fired boiler and waste-water heat recovery - adding approx. £2,500 to build costs.
• Option 2: a 31% reduction via high (not higher) fabric standards and low-carbon heating in new homes that typically have double (not triple) glazing, gas-fired boiler, waste-water heat recovery and renewables like solar pv - adding approx. £4,850 to build costs.
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The Part F proposals on ventilation relate to airtightness and improving the ‘as-built’ performance. The MHCLG recognises this package (if implemented) will add to the cost of building much-needed new homes. In return, ministers will remove the ability of local authorities to set more stringent local energy- efficient standards that go beyond the Building Regs.
The consultation closes on 10 January and
is at:
www.gov.uk/government/consultations/ the-future-homes-standard-changes-to-part- l-and-part-f-of-the-building-regulations-for- new-dwellings
These proposals are a significant step- change in regulation and compliance because the priority becomes primary energy use, not carbon emissions. Whilst the spotlight is on de-carbonisation of heating, the electrification of heating merits a closer look because it is proving to be less problematic than first thought.
Efficiency gains
The worry is that moving from fossil fuels to electricity will put capacity within the grid under strain as demand for electricity in heating and transport increases. But heat pumps are capable of generating more heat than the electricity needed to run them. As the output performance of heat pumps improves over time, efficiency gains ought to help ease any strain on the grid.
When ministers have considered the
responses, the second Future Homes Standard consultation is expected to invite views on: • overheating in new homes • energy efficiency standards for existing homes
• energy efficiency standards for new and existing non-residential buildings. The Government’s preference in the first consultation is Option 2. Ministers believe it offers more carbon savings and lower energy bills - although it imposes higher new build costs. If heating installed after 2020 focusses on heat pumps, it means larger radiators and heat emitters to compensate for lower temperatures, unless underfloor heating is considered. This opens up sales’ opportunities for BMF members as the market evolves. For example: demand for thermostatic radiator valves in every room to minimise overheating.
Hydrogen hopes
There is much interest in developing hydrogen as the alternative to gas. Worcester Bosch has developed a working prototype of a hydrogen- fired boiler. Keele University is conducting trials to put hydrogen into its gas network. Other manufacturers are looking to bring to market their own appliances designed to burn either hydrogen or hydrogen-blended fuel. The Government has put £25 million into a scheme called Hy4Heat aimed at helping scientists and businesses explore if it is technically feasible (and safe) to replace natural gas with hydrogen. Experts are
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net December 2019
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