A heat decarbonisation plan (HDP) outlines how an organisation intends to replace their use of fossil fuels with low carbon alternatives. In order to reach net zero targets, organisations will need to decarbonise their buildings, such as replacing their gas fuelled heating systems with heat pumps.
A HDP benchmarks an organisations current energy usage, analyses decarbonising opportunities and creates a bespoke strategy to achieve their goals.
At LCE, we are experts in working with organisations to produce energy strategies and will work with your team to identify ways to decarbonise your sites. We can help you to produce a HDP that lays out a clear pathway to achieve decarbonisation, whilst highlighting the key objectives and actions required to make progress.
What drives the need for heat decarbonisation and how does HDP fit within a client's sustainability strategy?
Heat decarbonisation, driven by climate, policy, and cost savings, is advanced through a HDP to improve a client's energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
Climate Change - Reducing greenhouse gases through heat decarbonisation helps combat climate change, as heating via fossil fuels is a major source of global CO₂ emissions.
Government Policies - Governments are promoting heat decarbonisation through policies like emission reduction targets and incentives for renewable heating technologies.
Energy Savings - Switching to efficient, low-carbon heating systems can save energy, lower emissions, and reduce costs, making heat decarbonisation economically beneficial.
How does LCE check current projects and plan future ones to meet heat decarbonisation goals?
LCE check ongoing projects, by undertaking energy audits, to see if they match an organisations decarbonisation goals. Short-term projects are then planned for quick wins, medium-term projects for gradual changes, and long-term projects to reach our main decarbonisation targets.
Transitioning to heat pumps will enable a shift from gas to electricity and reducing heat loss through insulating walls, doors and roof etc. will improve overall heat pump efficiency.
How do insulation, U-value optimisation, and degree day analysis impact a building project
financially and commercially?
These interventions improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, mitigate regulatory risks, and enhance commercial value.
• To assess the interventions financially, a dedicated calculation comparing conditions before and after insulation is essential; in this context, the heat loss calculation provides an overview of heat pump sizing as well.
• For interventions, calculations are based on the area of walls, rooflights, windows, and doors, and if undertaken correctly, provide a significant opportunity to reduce energy costs; hence, interventions such as LED lighting and double or triple-glazed windows are considered amongst many other potential opportunities.
• In order to reach net-zero, the organisation also has to transition to renewable electricity such as Solar PV, Wind turbines, and so on. This also helps mitigate regulatory risks and enhances the opportunity for applying for government grants, incentives, and funding.
If you would like to find out more about Heat Decarbonisation Plans and how LCE can help your organisation, please get in touch by emailing Rebekah@lce-gkt.com
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