Baxi Group encouraged by Government action on low carbon

Heating and renewable technologies manufacturer Baxi Group believes there is a silver lining to the Government’s axing of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme.
The group believes that it “clears the way for a “broader, more financially sustainable approach in encouraging the installation of low and zero carbon (LZC) heating technologies in our homes.”

Since its introduction in April 2006, the LCBP provided around 20,000 grants for the capital and installation cost of microgeneration equipment for homeowners and not-for-profit organisations. Its closure was announced on May 24 as part of the new Government’s £6bn cost-cutting programme.

“On the surface, the termination of the LCBP appears to be bad news for the LZC heating sector” says Simon Osborne, specification channel manager at Baxi Group. “However, in the Queen’s Speech the Government announced the introduction of new Green Loans for those who want to save energy. These offer a more financially sustainable option than the LCBP, and will, in our view, do more to grow investment in LZC technologies, especially for those on low incomes.”.

DECC has indicated that all new incentive schemes and tariffs will be designed to operate under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) framework and supported by tariffs on the utility bills.

“This new link with the MCS will be an important change” adds Osborne. “It will effectively pass the ownership of being green from the eligible few under the LCBP to everyone. That has to be a positive step forward.”