Carbon MOTs could help solve domestic heat decarbonisation

Introducing “carbon MOTs” for customers’ homes could help with the lack of understanding around the impact domestic heating has on net zero, a new report has suggested.

The report, Getting to net zero, by Energy Systems Catapult on behalf of Shell Energy Retail makes several recommendations for the government to help people achieve zero-carbon emissions at home.

Alongside this the results of a survey of 3,000 people were published which revealed the public’s attitudes towards the transition.

It found just 14 per cent of homeowners say they will switch their heating system in order to lower carbon emissions alone. The vast majority (87 per cent) said a low-carbon heating system would need to be “as or more” effective at heating their home compared to traditional gas systems.

Currently just nine per cent plan to switch to low-carbon heating when they replace their current boiler. In addition, more than half (58 per cent) say they would need to break even, or even benefit financially, in the long run to make the switch.

To resolve the issue of a lack of understanding around the importance of decarbonising heat, the report suggests introducing annual “carbon MOTs” for homes. Such a move, it said, would encourage people to measure and reduce their footprint over time.

It explained that energy suppliers could use smart meter data to report annual carbon emissions and ask people to make sure their home met a minimum carbon standard which will help them realise they need to decarbonise their homes and create a demand for solutions.

“They could shop around for an energy retrofit quote to get them to net zero any way they liked, just as they do for other home improvements like loft extensions, kitchens or bathrooms,” it added.

Elsewhere, the report makes recommendations for a technology neutral approach to be applied to heating, giving companies a reason to create more appealing low-carbon heating solutions. Additionally living labs should be created where solutions can be tested without causing harm to the consumer.

Finally local areas should publish their plans for getting to net zero to help residents prepare for the type of new heating they may need.

Ed Kamm, chief executive of Shell Energy Retail, said: “For Britain to get to net zero emissions by 2050, we must help homeowners choose lower carbon ways to heat their home or power their car whilst supporting the growth of renewable power. Decarbonising home energy is critical to achieving this.”

He added: “We need a simple target for heating in the UK, similar to the petrol and diesel car sales ban by 2030. Tackling emissions from heating needs long-term policy thinking that allows different technology options to thrive.

“This would provide the long-term policy and funding framework needed so that the industry can create appealing, effective, low carbon heating solutions that our consumers want and can afford.”