Reaching the net zero goal laid out by Boris Johnson requires far greater involvement than simply reducing commercial business emissions and changing to an electric vehicle.
Our recent post explored why net zero matters so much, but the steps to reach that goal also come with their own challenges. Fortunately, accelerating advancements are assisting in reaching this goal.
One area that may assist, can be found within our own homes. Data released by the Committee on Climate Change last year suggests that UK homes are ‘shockingly unprepared’ for climate change, as housing emissions are off track to meet the targets. Currently homes account for 15% of emissions through energy usage, which may rise and fall with temperature fluctuations taken into account – but to reach goals laid out, these emissions need to be cut to 24% below their levels in 1990, with the current reduction sitting at just 9%.
Criticism has also been heavily raised recently, as regulation around energy efficiency in homes had been scrapped, with many new builds only meeting minimum standards for energy efficiency requirements.
Whilst going ‘off the grid’ may be difficult in practice, there are steps that can be taken, as methods are available for closing the circuit. Recent years have seen solar power become a popular choice for homeowners, as the low cost of maintenance helps toward the offsetting cost as the panels pay for themselves over a number of years. Similarly, battery storage solutions are shifting from solely commercial applications, as home solutions become available, reducing the demand the average home places on the grid.
Increasing pressure is likely to be felt by homeowners in the coming years to ensure their energy requirements begin to reduce, especially as we approach the net zero date. Thousands have already seen the benefits of a reduced energy requirement during the coronavirus lockdown, as some energy companies were able to offer rebates on using energy during the period of reduced demand. Utility Trade Group are experts in the field, so please get in touch today if we can help with any aspect of your renewable energy provision.
