Microgeneration technologies in new build housing

Abstract

The UK has set a target for a reduction in CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. The domestic sector accounts for 25% of UK emissions from the generation of heat and electricity for homes. For this sector to move to a low-carbon path, it will need to transform the environmental performance of housing. The transformation will require system-wide innovation and change comprising new technologies, new markets and new institutional supporting systems. There is an urgent research needed to better understand, and therefore, steer this system innovation. The ongoing research project reported here contributes to this need by addressing the impact of the growing raft of environmental regulations on the UK housing development. The primary focus is on microgeneration technology (MGT) field within this sector. This research recognizes that the challenge of integrating MGTs is not merely a technical one for housing developers; rather, it has significant technical, social and economic implications for housing developers and their supply chains, as well as for home buyers.