Eco and Renewables
Eco and Renewable technologies are:
Thermal Solar
Air to water source heat pumps
Ground source heat pumps
Biomass
Eco and renewable technologies are sustainable alternatives to conventional energy systems. They aim to reduce carbon emissions, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and improve energy efficiency in homes and buildings.
With the introduction of the Climate Change Act 2008, the UK Government launched several incentive schemes to promote low-carbon heating solutions. One such scheme is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which offers financial assistance to property owners installing renewable heating systems. Through the BUS, eligible homeowners can receive a £7,500 voucher to help cover the cost of installing a heat pump.
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, which include:
Replacing an existing fossil fuel system (such as gas or oil boilers).
Reducing CO₂ emissions of the property.
Installing the system within a self-build or existing property.
Heat Pumps – air to water and ground source
Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air. This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems, or warm air convectors and hot water in your home.
Ground source heat pumps use pipes, which are buried, in the garden to extract heat from the ground. This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor or warm air heating systems and hot water in your home.
Heat pumps have some impact on the environment as they need electricity to run, but the heat they extract from the ground, the air, or water is constantly being renewed naturally.
Solar Thermal
Solar thermal systems harness energy from the sun and convert it into thermal energy to heat water. These systems typically consist of solar collectors or panels installed on the roof, and they work by:
Collecting sunlight through glazed panels (flat plate or evacuated tube types)
Transferring the heat via a fluid system to a hot water cylinder
Reducing the need for conventional water heating systems (e.g., gas boilers)
Solar thermal is most effective during sunnier months and is often used in conjunction with other heating systems to ensure hot water availability year-round. It is a low-maintenance and long-lasting solution with minimal running costs.
Biomass
Biomass boilers are becoming increasingly popular as a renewable and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel heating systems such as gas, oil, or LPG. These systems generate heat by burning organic materials—commonly wood chips, wood pellets, or logs—in specially designed biomass boilers.
How Biomass Works?
Biomass heating systems operate similarly to conventional boilers but use biological matter as fuel. The heat produced can be used for:
Central heating
Domestic hot water
Industrial process heating (in larger-scale systems)
The fuel is usually sourced from forestry residues, sawmill waste, or dedicated energy crops, and can be stored on-site in hoppers or silos for automatic feed into the boiler.
Environmental Benefits
Biomass is considered a carbon-neutral energy source. This is because:
The CO₂ released during combustion is roughly equal to the CO₂ absorbed by the plants during their growth.
This natural carbon cycle makes biomass significantly more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels.
Biomass also helps divert organic waste from landfills and supports sustainable forestry when managed correctly.
However, it is important to ensure that the biomass fuel used is sustainably sourced, certified (e.g. by the Woodsure or FSC schemes), and properly stored to maintain its energy content and reduce emissions.
Considerations
While biomass systems are efficient and eco-friendly, they require:
More space for fuel storage and the boiler unit itself
Regular maintenance, including ash removal and flue cleaning
A suitable chimney or flue system for exhaust gases
Compliance with local air quality regulations
There are government incentives, such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) (now closed to new applications but still supporting existing participants). However, the BUS grant does fund biomass boilers.
Why not contact us for your enquiry.