Baxi's managing director, Andrew Keating, is calling for a greater emphasis to be put on efficiency.
Speaking last week at the HHIC (Heating & Hot Water Industry Council) Parliamentary Reception, in front of HHIC members, Laura Sandys MP and Private Parliamentary Secretary to Greg Barker, Minister of State for Climate Change, and Robin Walker MP, Mr Keating asked for support to highlight the importance of efficiency. He said that it is currently a very undervalued concept in the eyes of the general public.
He said: 'As boiler manufacturers..... it's incumbent on us to communicate the efficiency message for the times in which we live - and to articulate that message in a way that people understand and engage with.'
'We have to make people understand how efficiency can have a positive effect on their lives. And if you think they already know that, ask yourself why we have four million inefficient boilers heating homes in the UK,' he continued.
In addition, he said that efficiency extends way beyond the actual boiler and is also about insulation, controls and lifestyle.
Mr Keating went on to talk about the Government's Future of Heating document which is currently under consultation. This document gives manufacturers like Baxi a steer on the types of heating products it needs to be developing. But, according to Keating, regardless of the detail of next year's heating policy paper, efficiency is the starting point and installers need the support of manufacturers to convey the message to the consumer.
He also called for the Government to listen to the concerns raised by the HHIC during the consultation process and to consider the alternative scenario put forward.
'As manufacturers - and as members of HHIC - we are committed to working with Government to develop lasting and sustainable heating legislation for the future. We welcome the chance to shape that legislation and to represent the industry and its customers at this crucial time,' he said.
