Sustainable Energy Association report highlights the need for a diverse range of low-carbon technologies to deliver the best outcomes for homes, buildings and net zero
tepeo has welcomed the launch of a new report from the Sustainable Energy Association (SEA) calling for a technology-agnostic approach to decarbonising heat and buildings.
The report, titled “Policy Barriers and Solutions for a Technology-Agnostic Approach to Heat and Buildings”, explains why government policy should support the most appropriate mix of technologies to achieve the best outcomes in the transition to net zero.
The report was launched at an event in Portcullis House, House of Commons, hosted by Alan Brown MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group (PRASEG).
Johan du Plessis, CEO of tepeo, joined an industry panel at the launch event alongside representatives from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Building Controls Industry Association, the Electrical Contractors’ Association, Energy Systems Catapult and Herschel Infrared.
Supporting a broader choice of low-carbon heating solutions
tepeo says the report reflects an important point in the UK’s heat decarbonisation journey: no single technology will be right for every home or building.
Heat pumps will play a major role in reducing emissions from buildings, but many properties will need different solutions depending on their layout, heat demand, fabric efficiency, available space, cost considerations and level of disruption.
A technology-agnostic approach recognises that the best outcomes will come from deploying the right solution in the right setting.
For tepeo, this is central to the role of heat battery boilers in the UK’s low-carbon heating mix.
tepeo’s ZEB is a smart heat battery boiler designed to replace fossil fuel boilers and expensive direct electric heating in suitable homes. It works with familiar wet central heating systems, including radiators and hot water, while storing energy as heat and using smart electricity to help keep homes warm without gas.
Why a technology-agnostic approach matters
The SEA report argues that policy should avoid favouring one technology too narrowly and instead focus on outcomes: lower emissions, better energy performance, affordability, comfort and practical delivery.
That approach is particularly important for heat and buildings, where the UK’s housing stock is highly varied.
Some homes may be well suited to heat pumps. Others may benefit from heat networks, smart controls, energy efficiency upgrades, infrared heating, heat batteries or a combination of technologies.
tepeo believes that giving households, installers, housing providers and policymakers a broader set of trusted options will be essential to making low-carbon heating more accessible.
Panel discussion at Westminster
The launch event brought together policy and industry voices to discuss how the UK can remove barriers to low-carbon technologies and accelerate the decarbonisation of buildings.
The panel included:
- Matthew Aylott, Electrification of Heat Policy Lead, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Stacey Lucas, Vice-President, Building Controls Industry Association
- Gary Parker, Head of Technical Standards, Electrical Contractors’ Association
- Katrina Young, Practice Manager for Heat Policy and Local Energy, Energy Systems Catapult
- Matthew Dodds, Director, Commercial Division, Herschel Infrared
- Johan du Plessis, CEO, tepeo
The discussion focused on the importance of using a diverse range of low-carbon technologies and why an outcomes-based policy approach is needed to support the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Building confidence in practical solutions
The launch follows growing recognition that decarbonising buildings will require action across multiple areas, including heating technologies, building controls, energy efficiency, installer skills and consumer confidence.
Speaking at the launch, Stacey Lucas, Vice-President of the BCIA, said: “Improving the energy efficiency in buildings will require a collective effort from industry and policymakers to ensure the UK can meet its net zero objectives.”
First reported by Electrical Contracting News.
A practical route for real homes
tepeo believes the report supports the need for a more flexible conversation about low-carbon heating.
For many homeowners, the choice can still feel limited: replace a gas boiler with another gas boiler, or install a heat pump. But the UK’s homes are not all the same, and a successful transition will need more than one route.
Heat battery boilers can offer a practical option for suitable homes where homeowners want familiar central heating, lower disruption and a way to move away from fossil fuels.
By storing energy as heat, the ZEB can help households make better use of smart electricity while continuing to deliver warmth and hot water through a familiar wet central heating system.
Looking ahead
tepeo says the launch of the SEA report is an important contribution to the national conversation on how to decarbonise heat and buildings in a way that is practical, fair and deliverable.
A technology-agnostic approach can help ensure that policy supports the full range of solutions needed for different homes, buildings and communities.
For tepeo, that means recognising heat battery boilers as part of a wider mix of low-carbon heating technologies that can help more households move towards a world without gas.