Following a government request for independent investigation, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) recently published recommendations for a total ban on gas connections to new housing developments by 2025. This was acknowledged in the chancellor’s Spring Statement in March 2019 as the part of government push towards its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. But how feasible is this suggestion in practice, and will it have the desired effect?

The Greater London Authority estimates enough heat is wasted to provide 38% of the city’s heating needs

Gas has provided a convenient fuel source for heating in the UK since the late 19th century, when town gas began to be used in domestic heating. In the 1960s, natural gas replaced town gas and the national gas distribution network grew. While modern building design is still reliant on gas, the government’s housebuilding target of 300,000 new homes each year presents a great opportunity to force new thinking in designing property heating systems, shifting to lower temperatures and establishing district energy – positive steps in reducing emissions.

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