Government drives towards a net-zero carbon future – a time of significant change for the plumbing and heating industry
In June 2019, legislation was passed requiring the government to reduce the UK’s net emissions of greenhouse gases by 100% relative to 1990 levels by 2050. The overall aim being, to keep global warming to below a 2°C increase to protect the planet based on UK commitment to the 2016 Paris agreement.
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC), who advises the UK Government, has identified that the UK is presently some way off of being able to deliver net zero carbon by 2050. Whilst there have been some significant successes in recent years in relation to carbon reduction in areas such as power generation, there is significant work to do in other areas. For instance, the way in which we use energy in buildings – specifically our homes.
In November 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson released his ten-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution with the goal of making further strides towards the net-zero target. This was followed up in December 2020 by the detailed Energy White Paper – Powering our Net Zero Future.
The Government’s vision in the White Paper is based around almost entirely removing carbon emissions from buildings (including homes). The changes required to bring this to fruition will largely need to take place across this decade, and will include a move toward the elimination of the use of fossil fuel heating appliances in our homes, as well as the use of methane in the gas grid that is currently used to heat 85% of UK households.
Over the next few years, we’re expecting to see a time of unprecedented and significant change for the plumbing and heating industry, so it’s never been more important to be part of an employers’ trade association. As the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors is led by a board of directors fully comprised of industry practitioners from its member businesses, the organisation is fully focussed on feeding installer views into the Government and helping to shape policy, and in turn keeping members updated on the latest developments as they happen.
It’s now more important than ever to engage with new developments and keep abreast of industry changes in order for your business to thrive. So if your plumbing and heating business is interested in joining APHC then please get in touch on 0121 711 5030, or email membershipsales@aphc.co.uk for further information.
