When we talk about switching properties off the gas grid to low carbon heating technologies, the focus is often on homes. However, there are an estimated 268,000 what we call ‘non-domestic’ buildings in England alone which will also be affected. These aren’t just businesses, but include local community buildings from village halls, churches, shops and pubs.

Positively, the new Labour government has scrapped the previously proposed ban on installing new fossil fuel boilers. However, it has indicated that it still wants to prioritise heat pumps as the main solution to reduce carbon emissions from both homes and these non-domestic buildings.

While heat pumps are a great solution for many buildings, for others the switch is more difficult. So, here are 5 reasons why renewable liquid fuels are an ideal alternative beyond just homes.

1. Greater flexibility for different buildings

While urban buildings are typically more consistent in age and character, off the gas grid there is far more variation. From historic pubs to Victorian schools, every building is unique from its age to levels of insulation. Installing a heat pump therefore requires a bespoke approach every time to ensure that all necessary upgrades have been made for the technology to work effectively. With renewable liquid fuels, this problem is avoided because it’s a drop-in replacement.

As long as the boiler and fuel storage tank are in good condition, an oil heating system can be converted following a minor modification to the boiler. Regardless of whether it’s a home, pub, school, church or village hall. Whilst energy efficiency improvements are always encouraged to keep running costs down and the building warmer, they are not essential at the time of transition.

2. Lower cost and less disruption than heat pumps

Making the above energy efficiency improvements can be very costly, particularly for larger buildings such as village halls. Some churches and pubs may also be protected or listed, which limits the intrusive work you can undertake. Even if building work can take place, smaller Victorian properties with narrow walkways and low ceilings make it impractical to install larger radiators or additional insulation. This could also damage the unique character of the property.

In contrast, an oil boiler can be converted to run on a renewable liquid fuel for less than £500. The work is non-intrusive and can be completed during a routine service. It’s also an ideal solution during a distress purchase when the existing heating system breaks down. Community buildings, particularly schools and churches, are in constant use and any problems need to be fixed quickly. Complex heat pump installations can take weeks, not to mention schools in particular have very tight budgets and may struggle to afford the unexpected costs of a heat pump transition.

3. Instant heat, just like a traditional boiler

Over many years we’ve all adopted certain habits with our heating system. One of the most common is that we turn the boiler on when it’s cold and expect instant heat. We then turn the heating off when we leave our house to save money. However, heat pumps work differently, warming up much more gradually, which means they are best kept on all the time.

For buildings like pubs, churches and village halls, they often don’t need constant heating but instead require a quick boost before use for a short period of time. With a renewable liquid fuel, you retain this benefit with your boiler. It works in exactly the same way. This flexibility makes it easy to manage heat in buildings with unpredictable or intermittent usage.

HVO Installer

4. The fuels have already been demonstrated in community buildings

As part of an industry backed demonstration project, around 150 buildings were switched from traditional heating oil to the renewable liquid fuel. This included a school, pub, church and village hall. The project was an overwhelming success and proved that the fuels work. The buildings used the fuels for over two years without any issues arising. The transition itself was straight forward.

Participants in the demonstration project were also hugely supportive, in particular children at a local school in Kehelland. They were very keen to play their role in reducing their emissions, but the high cost of heat pumps wasn’t viable. Without renewable liquid fuels, they would have continued to rely on fossil fuels.

5. Established fuel supply chain and trusted technicians

A major with heat pumps is the shortage of trained installers and technicians. This can be a real barrier, particularly in rural and off-grid areas where the market is more challenging due to higher costs and complexity of installations compared to urban areas.

In contrast, the existing renewable liquid fuel industry from manufacturers, fuel distributors to installers is very mature and highly experienced. Many local businesses and community hubs will know and trust their local distributor and technician, who can seamlessly transition to renewable liquid fuels, providing added reassurance that support is on hand.

Make your voice heard

In rural areas, many community building and business owners will be worried about the costs and disruption of switching to low carbon heating, whilst at the same time wanting to play their part in going green. However, as it stands, the government isn’t giving them enough options. Whilst some more modern properties, or owners with high levels of disposable income, can switch to heat pumps, for many this isn’t a viable solution.

That’s why renewable liquid fuels must be offered, alongside heat pumps, so everyone has a choice to adopt the technology that is most suited to their circumstances. Over the past few years, we’ve increasingly seen the power ordinary members of the public have to make governments listen and change course. Hundreds of new Labour MPs were also elected with a mandate to support and stand up for rural communities.

You can make a difference. If you want the option of switching to a renewable liquid fuel, you can support our campaign by writing to your MP and signing up to our mailing list.

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