Tackling Climate Change, Together

 

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Achieving Net Zero requires a fundamental shift in how we heat our homes, how we live, work, and travel, and how we use energy every day.

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

At Johnson & Starley, we are dedicated to building the future of heating with a clear vision: to help achieve Net Zero and ensure your comfort along the way. Whether it's through hydrogen, heat pumps, or other sustainable heating soutions, we're constantly innovating to offer you energy-efficient options that fit your needs. Our mission is simple – to make sure you can transition to a greener, more sustainable future without losing the warmth and reliability you've always trusted.

 
Industry legislation

Industry legislation

There has been recent speculation surrounding the future of gas boilers and the government's 2035 "ban." Some have claimed that boilers will not be prohibited in new builds under the Future Homes Standard and that the proposed ban on installing them in existing homes after 2032 may be scrapped due to a government U-turn. But is this the case?

No changes have been made to the Future Homes Standard as of now. Gas boilers will not meet the proposed standards for new builds, paving the way for alternatives like heat pumps. However, this could change when the outcome of the latest consultation on the Future Homes Standard is published later this year.

The previous Conservative government had planned to phase out gas boilers by 2035. Under these plans, homeowners would be required to replace failed or irreparable boilers with low-carbon heating alternatives, such as air-source heat pumps. However, these plans were not properly consulted on, and the Labour Party previously indicated it would not uphold the 2035 target.

Before taking office, Ed Miliband, now the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), stated that Labour would not stick with the 2035 deadline. In response to recent headlines about a "boiler ban U-turn," a DESNZ spokesperson emphasised: “The energy shocks of recent years have shown the urgent need to upgrade British homes. Our Warm Homes Plan will make them cheaper and cleaner to run, rolling out upgrades including insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps."

The spokesperson further clarified: “We will not force anyone to rip out a working boiler. We are making heat pumps more affordable through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides £7,500 towards the cost. We also recognise more needs to be done to encourage consumers to switch to low-carbon alternatives and are removing planning constraints to make heat pumps easier to install.”

Rather than forcing a boiler ban, the government seems to be focusing on incentivising the adoption of heat pumps. This approach will become more prominent when the Clean Heat Market Mechanism takes effect on April 1, 2025, following a deferral from its original start date of April 1, 2024.

 

urus gravida tristique.

How you can help reduce your carbon footprint and fuel bills

Up to a third of the UK's carbon emissions are coming from our homes, with 15% of that from our home heating.  A few simple changes can help reduce your carbon emissions, and also your fuel bills. 

  • Upgrade your Warm Air Heating. Older heaters are only about 65/70% efficient. 
  • Turn your heating down by 10C. Set your room thermostat between 18-210C
  • Check the timer for your heating and hot water, do you need it on that long. 
  • Dont leave your heating on low all day
  • Close your curtains or blinds
  • Dont block your wall grilles or registers and don't dry washing in front of vents or over radiators
Understanding net zero

The UKs plan and progress to reach Net Zero by 2050

As regulations and targets evolve, we’re committed to keeping you informed about any changes made by the government.

The UK is committed to reaching net zero by 2050. This means that the total greenhouse gas emissions would be equal to the emissions removed from the atmosphere, with the aim of limiting global warming and resultant climate change.

Net zero targets All of the UK must meet net zero by 2050, in line with the target set out in legislation. In addition to the UK-wide target, Scotland has set its own and is aiming to become a net zero economy by 2045. 

The UK has also committed to a 68% reduction in emissions by 2030, as part of its Nationally Determined Contribution towards the Paris Agreement (see Section 1.3 for more detail). Alongside these headline targets, the UK has set interim ‘carbon budgets’ which cap the emissions within different carbon budgetary periods (see Section 1.2 for more detail). 

The current fourth carbon budget requires a 52% reduction in emissions by 2027, while the sixth carbon budget requires a 78% reduction by 2037 (see Section 1.2 for more detail). 

Between November 2024 and February 2025, the government needs to set a new Nationally Determined Contribution for 2035. Additionally, in 2025 the government is due to agree the seventh carbon budget, which will cover the period from 2038-2042. 

Source: House of Commons Library 26th September 2024

Celebrating 100 years of warming your home