As part of its strategy to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions, the UK government has introduced the Code for Sustainable Homes. The code covers many important issues, but one of them has particular relevance to the plumbing and heating industry in the UK. It will impact both new building developments and existing building retrofits.

According to the Code for Sustainable Homes, a new property will be scored against a carbon emissions target. The property has to show that once built the real emissions from it would be equal to or below this target. This is the currently enforced procedure, based on Part L1A of the building regulations.

Launched in 2005, Part L1A set a target of 20% reduction in carbon emissions for new housing developments. The new Code for Sustainable Homes further builds on that to set a six-level basis of evaluation. Level one demands at least 10% carbon emissions reduction, with level six demanding ‘Zero Carbon’ buildings. By 2016, the government has set a target of 100% reduction in carbon emissions which is equal to level five.

The scoring for the dwellings is done according to a points system, in which every component of the home is scored based on its energy efficiency and carbon emissions. A score of 57 points is required for level three, while level six requires a score of 90 points.

It is fair to say that water heating systems currently available in the UK can meet the standard for medium levels within the Code. Still there is work to be done to make the heating systems efficient enough to meet the requirements for the top most levels, such as levels five and six.

One way of meeting the demand is by using renewable energy sources. For example, a level four in the Code requires a high ratio of such sustainable energy systems. Solar thermal systems are highly effective and emit virtually no carbon. Winter heating (when the days are short), will be supplemented by a gas boiler or a hot water tank with an immersion heater.

It would arguably make sense to apply the Code not only to new buildings but also to retrofit and on-going repairs. Replacing an old boiler with a high efficiency unit, or an old cylinder with a highly insulated one, would reduce heating bills and reduce carbon emissions. A brand new high efficiency boiler, such as an A rated condensing boiler, can reduce the emissions and heating bills by around 30%. Along the same line, a modern well insulated cylinder will retain the heat of the hot water overnight unlike an old poorly insulated tank.

To ensure a successful launch, it is important to verify that the UK heating industry is well prepared for the implication of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Furthermore it is expected that the Code will have a direct impact on the building regulations to be introduced in 2010 further affecting the industry.

The know how and technological skills in the UK are of a high level, which should help the introduction and implementation of such high efficiency technologies. The latest renewable technologies promise great efficiency at a reasonable price thus making more appealing to the wider population.

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