The Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) was introduced in April 2006 as a means of providing funds for the installation of microgeneration equipment for homeowners and not-for-profit organisations.

Since the scheme was launched, the LCBP has issued around 20,000 grants, which will no doubt help the UK meet its low carbon targets. Unfortunately, the LCBP was scrapped when the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties took power; as part of public spending cuts worth approximately £6 billion, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced on the 24th May that the LCBP, which cost £34 million, will close together with other initiatives devised by the previous government. Although the low and zero carbon industry (LZC) has criticised the Government’s closure of the LCBP, Baxi Group prefers to focus on the decision’s silver lining.

Specification Channel Manager at Baxi Boilers, Simon Osborne, said: “On the surface, the termination of the LCBP appears to be bad news for the LZC heating sector. However, in the Queen’s Speech the Government announced the introduction of new Green Loans for those who want to save energy. These offer a more financially sustainable option than the LCBP and will, in our view, do more to grow investment in LZC technologies, especially for those on low incomes. Loans will be paid back through a pay-as-you-go scheme, which, unlike the LCBP, does not require the homeowner to finance the LZC technology up front”.

Mr Osborne praised the introduction of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which is supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change and covers all microgeneration products and services. MCS is an independent scheme using consistent standards to evaluate and certify microgeneration products and installers. Mr Osborne noted: “It [MCS] will effectively pass the ownership of being green from the eligible few under the LCBP to everyone. That has to be a positive step forward”. Homeowners may actually end up with greater access to low carbon central heating options following the closure of the LCBP. The Baxi Ecogen is currently the only micro-combined heat and power (Micro-CHP) appliance to achieve MCS certification; however, the Green Loans are expected to improve competition in this field in future.

The UK’s carbon emission targets have been widely discussed by politicians, scientists, green lobbyists, construction firms and many others; in fact, it would be difficult to find an adult of sound mind in the UK who has not been informed of the country’s green ambitions.

Although it is arguably the case that most ordinary citizens remain blissfully unaware of the carbon emission targets in specific detail, it is evident that many households have taken steps to address the problem of global warming.

Thousands of homes, for instance, have had cavity walls and lofts insulated in an attempt to reduce heat loss, whilst more ambitious households have installed solar hot water heating, wind turbines or geothermal pumps. Recent research backed by the Energy Saving Trust, however, suggests that most households contribute towards a “forgotten threat” to carbon reduction targets.

According to the research, the water that is used in UK homes accounts for 89% of the country’s carbon emissions from water. Although water is not generally included in thoughts on carbon emissions, the various processes it endures contribute massively to the overall environmental picture; aside from being heated in homes, water is pumped and treated in massive quantities at the industrial level.

The claim that domestic water usage accounts for almost 90% of all carbon emissions from water is, therefore, shocking to say the least. Furthermore, it could also indicate that the UK Government’s plans to reduce total carbon emissions by 29% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 are unrealistic unless households do more to improve water efficiency.

Simple and somewhat obvious ways in which water consumption can be reduced at the domestic level include purchasing energy efficient washing machines and dishwashers; older, less energy efficient models are notoriously thirsty and produce significantly higher quantities of CO2.

The Energy Saving Trust also claims domestic hot water accounts for approximately 33 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year, which is why it has advised homeowners to think carefully about their choice of central heating boiler. Switching from an E-rated boiler to an A-rated condensing boiler could not only help the UK meet its carbon emission targets, but it could also save homeowners around £225 per year in heating bills.

We’re pleased to announce our sister site Solar Guide has been launched. The site offers a complete list of nationwide engineers for the installation of solar PV and solar water heating panels.

Solar Guide enables consumers to find and locate engineers in their area and request quotes directly through the site. You’ll find everything you need to know about switching to solar with articles on installers, incentive schemes such as the Feed-in Tariff and background on solar power. The website is updated on a constant basis with new installers and engineers added frequently covering all areas of the UK so you can find the best deal in your region.

If there is anything you’re unsure of when it comes to having solar power installed into your property then you’re bound to find the answers on Solar Guide. We’ve got information on all the available incentive schemes, the technical breakdown of both solar PV and thermal water heating panels and general information about the benefits of solar power.

Also updated on a regular basis is the Solar Guide news section, bringing you the latest developments with the solar industry, updates on incentives and news focussed directly on solar power.

If you’re seriously interested in gaining from the benefits of solar PV or solar thermal water heating, all you have to do is fill in our quick and easy  quote form and we’ll do all the leg work to find you three reputable installers ready to quote you on an installation. It’s that easy.

Click here to check out the new site.

Baxi Group has teamed up with central heating and property maintenance contractor, PH Jones, to supply new energy efficient boilers to selected properties.

Baxi Group and PH Jones will work alongside ALMO (Arms Length Management Organisation) Stevenage Homes to improve energy efficiency in various properties on behalf of Stevenage Borough Council. The project aims to bring all rented properties belonging to Stevenage Homes up to the Decent Homes Standard by 2013, which is by no means a minor task. As such, Baxi Group required the services of a reliable and experienced national firm to carry out much of the work – and PH Jones would appear to fit the bill.

PH Jones provides maintenance services, repairs and ad-hoc central heating installations to some 7,500 properties for Stevenage Homes, so the company’s partnership with Baxi Group was virtually ready-made. Derek Corbishley, the Social Housing Maintenance Director for PH Jones, said: “We are delighted to have become Baxi Group’s agent for this project. They have provided us with all the parts, tools and technical information to install new boilers and to ensure a first-time fix on boiler maintenance jobs. We can, therefore, work quickly and effectively in residents’ homes with minimum inconvenience to them”.

PH Jones will have a range of Baxi boilers at their disposal when setting about the task of upgrading homes in Stevenage. The Baxi Solo HE, Baxi Duo-tec Combi HE and the Baxi Megaflo System HE are all expected to feature in the project and will be chosen according to the type of property being upgraded. It is thought the versatile Baxi Solo HE will be used in the majority of properties, whilst other boiler types will be reserved for specialist installations. The project leader of Stevenage Homes, Paul O’Donnell, has stressed the importance of Baxi’s partnership with PH Jones whilst reiterating the need for upgraded properties. Mr O’Donnell said: “Replacing old inefficient boilers with new high efficiency models helps to lower their fuel use and save them [the tenants] money”. The Decent Homes Standard was introduced by the UK Government in 2000 as a way older homes could enjoy modern standards in respect to heating, facilities and energy efficiency.

US President Barack Obama has called for American people to turn to green energy during his live speech yesterday concerning the BP oil spill that’s become the nation’s largest environmental disaster.

During his speech, which was broadcast live to US households, President Obama compared the policy implications of the Gulf of Mexico clean up to that of 9/11. And despite re-affirming to the American people that BP would cover the full costs of the oil spill, he used the situation as an opportunity to plug green energy.

He said: “We consume more than 20 per cent of the world’s oil, but have less than two per cent of the world’s oil reserves. And that’s part of the reason oil companies are drilling a mile beneath the surface of the ocean because we’re running out of places to drill on land and in shallow water.

“For decades, we have known the days of cheap and easily accessible oil were numbered. For decades, we have talked and talked about the need to end America’s century-long addiction to fossil fuels. And for decades, we have failed to act with the sense of urgency that this challenge requires. Time and again, the path forward has been blocked not only by oil industry lobbyists, but also by a lack of political courage and candour.

“The consequences of our inaction are now in plain sight. Countries like China are investing in clean energy jobs and industries that should be here in America. Each day, we send nearly $1bn of our wealth to foreign countries for their oil. And today, as we look to the Gulf, we see an entire way of life being threatened by a menacing cloud of black crude.

“We cannot consign our children to this future. The tragedy unfolding on our coast is the most painful and powerful reminder yet that the time to embrace a clean energy future is now. Now is the moment for this generation to embark on a national mission to unleash American innovation and seize control of our own destiny.”

Green companies in the US have quickly jumped on the bandwagon and are pushing law makers in the US to enforce new green rules.

In anticipation of Obama’s speech, investment in solar, wind and other renewable energy groups rose on Wall Street.

Denise Bode, CEO of American Wind and Energy Association said: “People are really seeing this as an example of our addiction to oil,” and CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council, Steve Sawyer, said: “Wind energy and other renewables will get a boost as policymakers, investors as well as the general public are confronted daily with stories and photos of the consequences of our continuing dependence on fossil fuels.

“This is just one more nail in the coffin for the continued expansion of the use of fossil fuels.”

Obama closed his speech by ushering each American to play their part in the transfer from fossil fuels to renewables like solar PV panels. He said: “Each of us has a part to play in a new future that will benefit all of us. As we recover from this recession, the transition to clean energy has the potential to grow our economy and create millions of good, middle-class jobs but only if we accelerate that transition. Only if we seize the moment. And only if we rally together and act as one nation workers and entrepreneurs; scientists and citizens; the public and private sectors.”

The new UK Coalition Lib-Con Government has vowed to push green energies too, and is likely to back Obama’s calls to revert to renewables.

The UK Government has fallen over 75 per cent short of its renewable energy target for 2010 according to a report released by the National Audit Office (NAO).

The findings of the report were announced yesterday based on data from 2008. According to the report, just 2.3 per cent of UK energy is being produced by green renewable sources. The figures fall drastically short of the UK Government’s climate change target in 2000 of generating 10 per cent of electricity from renewable energy sources like wind, solar and wave by 2010.

The report did say Government funding for developing renewable energy technologies has delivered technology innovation and increased the supply of energy. But with the figures stating renewable energy generation is 75 per cent behind schedule, the NAO has criticised the strategic use of government funding by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

Amyas Morse, head of the NAO, said: “The Department needs a more strategic approach to delivering government funding for renewable energy technologies.

“This requires cleaner plans, better information, improved co-ordination and a more consistent approach to assessing results.

“At present the 2020 target looks optimistic.

“The Department should complete work on developing its renewable energy plans as a matter of urgency, and agree responsibilities with delivery bodies for implementing the plan.”

Numerous schemes offering support to consumers for renewable energy technologies have been launched since 2000. But the NAO said the co-ordination amongst the delivery bodies has historically been limited and there has been no routine collection of information on the spending and delivery by these schemes and their contribution to meeting the 2020 target for renewable energy and the longer-term statutory commitment to reduce emissions.

The DECC’s climate change target for 2020 includes the goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 34 per cent. Greenhouse gas emission has been cut by 28 per cent since 1990 according to yesterday’s figures.

The UK’s solar PV electricity market could grow five fold in 2010 and 30 times over by 2015 as a result of new feed-in tariffs, according to analysis by industry-focussed assurance, tax and advisory service PricewaterhourseCoopers (PwC).

The analysis found the widespread roll out of solar PV in the UK has suffered due to a lack of incentives for small-scale domestic installations, complexity of funding and planning restrictions.

However, feed-in tariff style grants and funding have rapidly increased installations in European countries with some nations seeing an annual increase of installations in excess of 300 per cent in the first year of the tariffs being available. And with the Clean Energy Cashback Scheme – also known as the Feed-In Tariff – being implemented to allow UK homeonwers who generate their own electricity receive regular payments for the energy they supply, PwC Renewables Director Daniel Guttman believes UK residents could flock in the direction of Solar PV power in 2010.

He said: “The significant expansion that may be just around the corner will change today’s ‘cottage industry’ into a much more professionally organised sector.

“The PV market will become more sophisticated with more complex products and a greater focus on accountability for system performance.

“The industry will need to adapt and develop quickly to ensure that as much of the opportunity in terms of job and value creation is captured within the UK.

“Companies that have been successful so far have benefited from investment in order to fund expansion.

“Further investment will be required in order to train for and fund the rapid expansion expected. New entrants are likely to expand into the UK in coming years.

“We believe that this will be true across much of the value chain, but particularly downstream around installations.”

The study conducted by the advisory service called ‘On the brink of a bright future? Insights on the UK solar photovoltaic market’ found that the majority of UK PV installations are small domestic panels like in Germany and France while large-scale solar farms are more common in countries likes Italy and Spain.

PwC claim to have got the five-fold installation improvement from UK industry observers who’d been interviewed as part of the study which also suggested the market survey expressed concern that there are too few certified installers to meet the potential demand.

The group says there needs to be sufficient investment in infrastructure, skill and training for the UK to fully benefit from solar power.

PwC Sustainability and Climate Change Director Gus Schellekens added: “The focus on PV is timely with recently published roadmap documents outlining the future global potential for PV technologies.

“While its use in the UK is small today, PV has a promising future if supported by strong government policy that sustains early deployments and supports the technology’s transition to cost competitiveness.”

Situated on a disused strip of land that was formerly a car park off the main road in Bell Green, Coventry, a new housing estate is set to change the way in which such projects are constructed in the UK.

Passivhaus – a method of construction originating in Germany and employing ultra-high standards of energy efficiency – will be used on the Sampson Close project in Coventry for only the third time in the UK (previous Passivhaus builds were constructed at the behest of private owners who wished to create truly eco-friendly homes). The Sampson Close development will employ Passivhaus standards to create one three-bedroom house, four two-bedroom houses and eighteen two-bedroom flats.

Aside from the obvious environmental benefits of building homes to Passivhaus standards, occupants are expected to avail of substantially reduced central heating bills; indeed, current estimates suggest the typical Sampson Close resident will be paying just £1 on energy bills each week, which could result in savings of £300-£500 over the year. The so-called Bell Green scheme is run by Orbit Heart of England, which is one of the largest housing associations in the Midlands.

The Bell Green Scheme aims to provide affordable and environmentally friendly homes to people throughout Coventry and other parts of the Midlands. John Barnham, Head of Asset Management at Orbit, said: “this is a really exciting project. This is a back-to-basics approach, looking at energy loss and making a building thermally efficient so that whatever energy is generated is being used efficiently”.

A Passivhaus certified home is around 90% more energy efficient than the typical home in Coventry, which says as much about Passivhaus as it does the current state of residential properties in the Midlands. Passivhaus builds make excellent use of natural resources and surroundings; for instance, many Passivhaus homes feature large south-facing windows maximising the amount of sunlight that enters a property (and thus the heat and light therein).

Passive heat technology is used in place of central heating systems, with heat recovery units converting expended energy in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom to generate usable energy. Passivhaus represents a massive step forward for the local community in Bell Green.

Wirral-based renewable energy giants Stiebel Eltron has called for the Government to show support for green energy after scrapping the Low Carbon Building Programme (LCBP).

The LCBP, which was a grant funding to help cover the costs of microgeneration systems like solar thermal hot water, heat pumps and wood fuelled heating, was axed on 24 May when the new Coalition Government seized the remaining £3m from the programme budget to help towards cutting the nations deficit. And with the Lib-Con Government collecting £85m in total from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) as part of the £6bn departmental spending cuts, Stiebel Eltron has said it’s ‘vital’ that the new coalition reiterates its commitment to UK renewables.

John Felgate, Stiebel Eltron Technical Director, said the cuts could have severe detrimental effects on the renewable industry unless the government gives it assurances over future growth policy.

In a Stiebel Eltron release, Felgate said: “This is a crossroads for the renewable heat industry and we need robust and intelligent leadership if we are to meet the target of renewables producing 12 per cent of the UK’s heat by 2020.

“It is a worrying time for the renewable heat industry, when we should be looking forward and pushing the green energy agenda. The lack of either certainty or a clear Government policy can only hamper the good work currently being undertaken across the sector, and we cannot afford to see years of progression going to waste.

“The LCBP was an extremely valuable funding stream and was important in the run up to the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive legislation. The RHI is due to come into effect in April 2011 but legislation is still needed and the Government is yet to offer its commitment to passing it through. This leaves the renewable heat industry in limbo and could put jobs at risk.

“We understand the Government’s need for cuts and to reduce the deficit, and hope that despite scrapping the LBCP they do remain committed to the growth of the renewables industry.”

And it’s not just Stiebel Eltron looking for the government to put some weight behind renewables. The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has also called for the Government to show support for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which isn’t due to launch in the UK for another ten months.

Stuart Pocock, REA’S Head of Onsite Renewables, voiced his concerns days after the closure of the DECC saying: ““We remain confident that the new Coalition Government is strongly committed to UK renewables, however the renewable heat industry now has an urgent need for policy certainty going forward”.

The British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA) has also expressed its disappointment and concerns over the cuts from the DECC.

As if the UK economy had not already endured enough crises, the country is heading for another imminent collapse according to various consumer watchdogs and business groups.

Unlike the events that caused the most recent recession, the new financial downturn would have little to do with mortgages and everything to do with investing in new homes; indeed, many people believe that the renewable heat incentive, which is due to be introduced next April, will lead to higher fuel bills, reduced manufacturing output and loss of companies to overseas markets. Therefore, the question has been asked: is the renewable heat incentive all that much of an incentive for UK households?

The renewable heat incentive was drafted to provide help to households that install renewable heating devices, such as solar hot water heating, biomass boilers or geothermal heat pumps. Renewable heating devices are notoriously expensive to buy and have installed, however, which is why the former government chose to help owner-occupiers purchase such devices.

Whilst it is perfectly reasonable that households are encouraged to improve energy efficiency, it is unreasonable to ask all domestic energy consumers to foot the bill, which is arguably the case with the renewable heat incentive. In fact, even commercial consumers would likely shoulder the cost of the incentive, with experts predicting a 70 per cent annual rise in fuel bills for large energy users.

On the domestic scale, the renewable heat incentive is expected to increase average annual fuel bills by between 9 and 21 per cent. Small to medium-scale industrial bills could also rise as high as 35 per cent, which could spell disaster for manufacturing and small business in the UK. It has also been suggested that the initiative may not provide value-for-money on the environmental front, following claims by the Department of Energy and Climate Change that none of the carbon savings under the incentive would be cost-effective.

Director of the Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG), Jeremy Nicholson, has claimed that the Department of Energy and Climate Change are “absolutely intent on rendering our energy prices uncompetitive for industry and far too high domestically”, adding that there would be “huge implications for fuel poverty”.