Whereas some companies in the heating industry are lamenting the closure of the Government’s Low Carbon Buildings Programme, Baxi Boilers actually think that it might be a good development.

Baxi Boilers thinks that there is a definite silver lining with the ending of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme.

And with it gone, says Baxi Boilers, thoughts can now be focussed on a: “…broader, more financially sustainable approach in encouraging the installation of low and zero carbon (LZC) heating technologies in our home.”

The Low Carbon Buildings Programme first came into being in April, 2006 and has dished out, estimates Baxi Boilers, some 20,000 grants which have helped pay for the cost of micro-generation equipment for homeowners, as well as not-for-profit organisations. The grants covered both the capital and installation costs of such equipment.

But as with many such initiatives, the Governments deficit busting axe has been at work and as part of the initial attempt to remove £6 billion from the sums, the Department of Energy and Climate Change chopped the £34 million scheme.

Baxi Boilers’ own Mr Osborne, said:
“On the surface, the termination of the LCBP appears to be bad news for the LZC heating sector" says. "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 save scheme which, unlike the LCBP, does not require the homeowner to finance the LZC technology up front".  

Baxi Boilers highlight the fact that the Department of Energy and Climate Change all new incentive schemes, and tariffs, will be structured so as to operate under the Micro-generation Certification Scheme framework. And what’s more, they will be supported by tariffs on the utility bills.

Simon Osborne, who is Specification Channel Manager at Baxi Boilers, went on to say: “This new link with the Micro-generation Certification Scheme will be an important change. It 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.”

One of the final points made by Baxi Boilers is that the nearly £60 million worth of Low Carbon Buildings Programme, already being processed, will be honoured by the Department of Energy and Climate Change; if they meet the original criteria of course.

Guest Article by Neil Camp