Fires and Heaters - Heat pumps ''count as low-carbon technology''

08/05/2008

The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) has confirmed that air source heat pumps are eligible to gain compliance with the Code for Sustainable Homes, it has been reported.

Air source heat pumps had been omitted from the revised CLG guidance on applying the code, meaning they could not be recognised as low-carbon technology, according to H&V News.

A spokesman for CLG has said that the list was "not exhaustive" and that the pumps are recognised as being low-carbon technologies.

Industry groups were worried that this could mean the higher-levels of the code would not be reached if the appliances were used, although CLG had included ground source heat pumps in the guidance.

Kelly Butler, the director of the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA), told the publication that he would like to see the guidelines reissued to include the technology.

He commented: "BEAMA has spent a lot of money working with its heat pump and ventilation manufacturers, talking to some 450 people from the house building industry, advising them that [air source heat pumps] are a listed technology and how to comply with level 3 and 4 of the code."

BEAMA represents members of the UK's energy trades and lobbies government agencies to protect their interests.