The report by the Sustainable Energy Association (SEA), titled “Policy Barriers and Solutions for a Technology-Agnostic Approach to Heat and Buildings”, explains why government policies should be reformed to deploy the most appropriate and diverse range of technologies for achieving the best outcomes from the transition to Net Zero. The report has been launched in partnership with the Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group (PRASEG), and the BCIA is an official supporting partner organisation of the report.

The launch event, held in Portcullis House, House of Commons on 25th January, was hosted by PRASEG Chair Alan Brown MP. A panel, consisting of Matthew Aylott (Electrification of Heat Policy Lead, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), Stacey Lucas (Vice-President, BCIA), Gary Parker (Head of Technical Standards, ECA), Katrina Young (Practice Manager for Heat Policy & Local Energy, Energy Systems Catapult), Matthew Dodds (Director, Commercial Division, Herschel Infrared) and Johan du Plessis (CEO, tepeo), took part in a Q&A session to highlight the importance of using a diverse range of low-carbon technologies and why an outcomes-based approach is favourable in delivering a prosperous Net-Zero future for the UK.

After the event Ben Copson, Policy Advisor at SEA, said: “Smart building controls are undoubtedly an integral solution for creating low-cost, energy-efficient, decarbonised and healthy buildings. We should ensure that all of our heat and buildings policies are valuing the benefits and contributions building controls can make to our Net-Zero journey and providing equal opportunities for their installation. Collaborating with the BCIA has been hugely positive in showcasing the need for these important technologies and enriching the debate to include more appropriate solutions in the transition.”

BCIA Vice-President Stacey Lucas commented: “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. It was a privilege to attend the launch event of this hugely important report and put forward the case for building controls to form part of a strategic move towards a sustainable future using low-carbon technologies.”