In 2005 the Building Regulations introduced the new Part L demanding all new boilers installed to be categorized as high efficiency systems. This includes condensing boilers and combination (also known as combi) boilers which use a secondary heat exchanger (or an extra large single heat exchanger) to recoup the heat that would otherwise be expelled into the atmosphere via the boiler flue. The new Building Regulations Part L also called for heating controls, system insulation and hot water cylinders among other components to improve their respective energy efficiency levels.

This new requirement raised the bar not only in terms of energy efficiency but also in terms of the quality of the service and installation. Since the systems are more integrated and work off each component more closely, it requires the system installer to have deep understanding of the power demand, both input and output of each component (such as the boiler, the heating controls, the radiators and the hot water cylinder).

Research shows that since the introduction of the new Part L, the domestic heating industry has made a major reduction in the amount of carbon emissions generated every year. Recent analysis conducted in the industry indicates that savings of around 2.4 million tonnes of carbon have been made since the new Building Regulations have been introduced. Furthermore, the analysis shows that had Part L not been introduced and with the industry relying on SEDBUK D rated systems, the amount of carbon emissions would have increased by over one million tonnes since 2005.

At present there is still plenty of room for improvement in terms of the amount of carbon generated and emitted by domestic heating in the UK. There are around four million old boilers still installed around the country which have significantly lower efficiency compared to modern A rated boilers. Installing a modern A rated boiler as a replacement, would reduce their respective carbon emissions by around 30%. A typical home in the UK generates around 5 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year. Overall carbon emitted from domestic heating sources is responsible for around 16% of the total UK national CO2 emissions.

The government is attempting to encourage carbon reduction within the domestic heating market. It has introduced zero stamp duty on carbon neutral homes and requires all home sellers to produce a home information pack which includes a detailed energy performance certificate. However, the stamp duty waiver will not apply to the vast majority of the old housing stock which is where most of the carbon savings should be made. The shortcoming of the home information pack is that it only applies when the property is put for sale, and does not encourage improving the heating efficiency at other times.

Other levers that can be pulled to reduce carbon emissions from domestic heating in the UK are related to renewable and sustainable energy. The government plans to build around 3 million new homes between now and 2020. If just 10% of these new homes use solar thermal heating or heat pumps along with traditional (gas or oil) boilers, around 150,000 tonnes of carbon emissions would be saved annually.

There are several options for the government to reduce the carbon emissions from the UK housing stock and meet the challenging targets it set. It is important to note that any relevant plan would be met with a prepared and professional group of plumbing and heating companies that are investing in professional development and staff training for the new technologies.

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