WITH the heating of residential properties and offices accounting for almost 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions and half of all energy consumption worldwide, it is no surprise that revolutionising residential heating systems is a top priority for the UK government in their efforts to achieve the COP26 goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Traditional boilers powered by gas and oil, used to heat homes which are notoriously poorly insulated compared to our neighbours in Europe, are the main culprit for this reliance on polluting fossil fuels to generate our energy.
There is no doubt, then, that green heating systems are the future, but when will the transition really begin to take place and how can businesses be prepared for this shift? Quite apart from how it will directly affect company operations, there are also opportunities for financial gain on the eco-friendly bandwagon as a consumer base ever more committed to sustainability causes an increased demand for environmentally-friendly products and providers.
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What are green heating systems?
Green heating systems are heating systems which are powered by renewable energy rather than fossil fuels. These include solar panels, biomass stoves, and heat pumps which transfer heat from outside to the inside of a property. Heat pumps either source heat from the ground or the air and use only a minimal amount of electricity to move the naturally occurring heat into your home.
How to capitalise on green energy
The most obvious way to use green heating systems for financial gain is to invest in this technology that is soon set to be powering homes nationwide. Larger organisations may choose to do this through research or financial backing, but even one-man companies can take their share by offering air source heat pump installation services to eco-minded homeowners. A recent report by charity Nesta estimated that we need thousands more heat pump engineers in order to meet the required annual installation numbers, so now promises to be a lucrative time to retrain in this budding field.
Those in property, whether construction, design, or landlords, will benefit from being ahead of the game with sustainable heating systems and other eco-commitments. By 2025, traditional gas boilers cannot be installed in new-build houses, so decisions will need to be made which balance the drive for green energy technology with the cost of supplying these relatively expensive systems. Landlords and property flippers will find that more and more homeowners are seeking options with upgraded insulation and heating systems and properties which have a good energy efficiency rating, particularly given the current cost-of-living crisis.
On a smaller scale, but just as worthwhile, companies who have offices abroad in countries with sunnier climes could consider installing solar panels to create a green energy office. Quite apart from getting ahead of the game and feeling satisfied on a moral standpoint, promoting yourself as a company on the path to being net zero is a strong marketing tool in the current eco-minded climate. Solar panels can even be effective in the UK, although it is unlikely that they will be reliable enough to power all of your operations. However, even a partial commitment towards renewable energy can go a long way in convincing consumers that your business has the eco-friendly values that make you a worthy choice.
