Plumb Center has declared its backing for the London Boiler Cashback Scheme, announced today by Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.
Starting immediately, the £2.6m scheme will give up to 6,500 owner occupiers and accredited private landlords in the capital the opportunity to claim £400 cash back upon the replacement of a working but inefficient boiler (rated at 70% efficient or less) with a new ‘A-rated’ model, or a renewable/low carbon heating system.
It is estimated that London’s homes are responsible for 36% of the city’s carbon emissions, and space heating and hot water is the largest contributor of this, accounting for around 85% of all domestic carbon emissions.
Tim Pollard, Head of Sustainability at Plumb Center, which – with 49 branches within the M25 – is the largest distributor of heating products in London, comments: “Today’s announcement is good news for London’s homeowners and private landlords. Boilers account for over half of the average household’s annual energy spend and four-fifths of a home’s carbon emissions, so an efficient boiler makes a big difference. This cashback scheme offers homeowners the opportunity to claim back around 20% of the install cost so presents a very appealing proposition.
“Previous scrappage schemes have proved to stimulate action and we have no doubt this initiative will do likewise. Our branches are already prepared for the spike in demand with the majority of boiler brands and models in stock now for immediate collection, and our branch teams are ready to advise installers on how they can help their domestic customers to take advantage of the scheme.
“This scheme is also a welcome boost for the heating industry. A mild winter and continuing economic uncertainty has led to many homeowners stalling on plans to update their heating systems and with the majority of boilers being manufactured in the UK, this has created an unwelcome situation throughout the supply chain. So although a London-centric scheme, the benefits of the GLA’s investment will be felt far beyond the M25.”
The Energy Saving Trust will administer the scheme and according to its research, homeowners upgrading can expect to save in the region of £340 per year and 1,500kg of carbon. In total, the initiative stands to save Londoners over £2.2m and remove 9,750 tonnes CO2 emissions.
The London Boiler Cashback Scheme is part of the Mayor’s Climate Change and Energy Strategy (CCMES) commitment, which aims to reduce London’s emissions by 60% by 2025 compared with 1990 levels. Landlords applying must be accredited with the Mayor’s London Rental Standard.
To find out more or to apply visit www.london.gov.uk/boilers
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