DECC and CLG consult on meeting carbon targets

Proposals to reduce UK carbon emissions by up to 44 Mt a year in 2020, the equivalent of a 30% reduction in emissions from households compared to 2006, are set out in the consultation document ‘Heat and energy saving strategy’ from the Department of Energy & Climate Change and the Department for Communities & Local Government. It sets out the Government’s vision to 2020 and beyond and seeks views on a range of policies that could help to decarbonise the way we heat our homes and business. The consultation period runs to 8 May 2009.

TThe strategy is based on saving energy and decarbonising heating. It seeks to reduce the UK’s emissions and increase the use of renewable energy in line with the demands of carbon budgets, renewables target and the ultimate UK target of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by 80% by 2050.

TThere are perceived economic benefits, too, by exploiting the opportunities from the shift to a low-carbon economy in the UK and the rest of the world. Fuel security is also an important factor, with officials at the DECC pointing out that 70% of natural gas used in the UK is for heating.

TThe scale of the technical task of the ultimate target of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by 80% by 2050 is also indicated by DECC officials pointing out that even by 2050, existing housing will account for 70% of the stock and that 40% of today’s stock predates 1944 and has solid walls, which are very difficult to insulate.

TA key stage in the proposed strategy includes all lofts and cavity walls being insulated, where practical, by 2015. Another proposal is for all homes to have received by 2030 a ‘whole-house’ package including all cost-effective energy-saving measures, plus renewable heat and electricity measures as appropriate.

TAttention to lower-carbon heating include a new focus on district heating in suitable communities and removing barriers to their development. CHP is also to be encouraged, with better use of surplus heat through carbon-pricing mechanisms.

TTo stimulate the take-up of renewable heat, a renewable-heat incentive is planned — along the lines of a feed-in tariff for electricity from renewables or CHP.

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