UK Government urged to galvanise renewable heating energy market as world leaders convene for COP 28

The call for action comes after the earth’s temperature briefly rose above an average of 2 degrees Celsius hotter than pre-industrial levels this month, a crucial threshold that scientists have warned could have catastrophic and irreversible impacts on the planet. 

With world leaders coming together in Dubai this week at COP 28 to discuss action which will tackle present environmental challenges, the UK should drive forward sustainable heating solutions the renewable heating manufacturer said.

STIEBEL ELTRON said the UK government should look to lead by example with measures which will see heat pumps and electric water and room heating technologies become widespread across the country.

Latest U.N. data revealed global emissions need to fall 42 percent by 2030 to put the world on track to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050, or by 28 percent to hold temperature increases to an average of 2 degrees targeted by the Paris Agreement.

As a result, a sudden reversal in global emission trends is required which will only be achieved by meaningful actions. 

Despite this, the government earlier this year reversed a host of pledges which were designed to help the UK reach net zero carbon emissions in 2050.

This included delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel cars, as well as reducing the planned phase out of gas boilers by 2035. 

With the world’s temperature now rising past an average of 2 degrees Celsius for the first time, STIEBEL ELTRON said sustainable heating technologies will play a vital role in preventing this from happening again.

Mark McManus, STIEBEL ELTRON UK Managing Director, said: “While it was only for a brief period, the world’s temperature rising above an average of 2 degrees is a stark warning that unless action is taken this will only occur more often. Simply put, we have to move away from fossil fuels.

“With COP 28 starting this week, consumers across the UK will be looking to the Government to lead from the front, and they can do this by implementing measures which will bolster the use of sustainable heating technologies, such as heat pumps.

“While the Government’s decision in September to renege on energy pledges weakened its stance as a global leader in the renewable energy sector, they can change this by taking a firmer stance on fossil fuel boilers and look to see the adoption of sustainable heating technologies across the board.

“In the meantime, for those who are interested in alternative heating measures which won’t be to the detriment of the planet, we would be delighted to share our knowledge with them.”

Based in Bromborough, Wirral, STIEBEL ELTRON UK has been a driving force behind the adoption of renewable heating solutions across the globe with a range of heat pumps, electric hot water, space heating and ventilation products available.

Founded in 1924, STIEBEL ELTRON is a market leading supplier of technology for building services and green technology, with a particular focus on central heating products such as heat pumps.