VOICES | JULIE GODEFROY Shaping a low carbon future, together Work by the government on Building Regulations and the future of heat offers many opportunities to be involved with CIBSE activities, says the Institutions Julie Godefroy I n the past 10 years, the UK has achieved significant carbon savings through the decarbonisation of the electricity grid. Decarbonising heat is now acknowledged as one of the biggest challenges if the UK is to continue on its trajectory and meet its carbon-reduction targets. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is exploring how this may happen, and has published its analysis of technology and policy options. Much aligns with recommendations by CIBSE and others: there is currently no clear, single contender to replace the wide coverage and convenience of gas heating, and a low carbon heating future is likely to require a mix of options. These include electric heating (with a large role for heat pumps); hydrogen, whether used in fuel cells or for decarbonising the gas grid; and heat networks, particularly in dense and mixed-use areas, where they can take advantage of alternative fuel sources and heat rejection from cooling systems, the Tube or other processes. BEIS also seems to have acknowledged that the market alone cannot deliver such substantial changes, capital investments Buildings that are not connected to the gas grid are likely to be the early test beds of future low carbon heat options and infrastructure upgrades, while still keeping energy affordable and protecting consumers: a mix of policy requirements and incentives will be required. The department also stresses the importance of increasing consumer awareness. While this is true, there are probably other key drivers that have more of an influence on the heating choices made by consumers. These include convenience, affordability, advice from suppliers and overcoming the caution of installers towards new products. New regulations will be needed to provide the catalyst. Buildings that are not connected to the gas grid are likely to be the early test beds of future low carbon heat options an approach CIBSE has long advocated. The Institution will continue to develop guidance in this area, in particular for future heat networks (4th and 5th generation and ambient loops), electric heating, and demand management. Get in touch if you are interested in taking part. Beyond questions of how to meet demand, CIBSE has repeatedly stressed that we must consider energy efficiency, both to deliver carbon savings and to increase the feasibility of low-carbon The Trent Basin housing development in Nottingham has communal battery storage JULIE GODEFROY is technical manager at CIBSE 18 March 2019 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Mar19 pp18-19 Julie Godefroy.indd 18 22/02/2019 16:32