Gas boiler Ban

In recent years, there has been growing concern over the impact of fossil fuels on the environment and the urgent need to transition to more sustainable energy sources. As part of this effort, the UK government has announced a ban on gas boilers in new homes from 2025, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.

But what does a ban on gas boilers mean?

The ban on gas boilers means that from 2025, new homes will no longer be able to install traditional gas boilers for heating and hot water. Instead, they will have to use low-carbon heating systems such as electric boilers, heat pumps or hydrogen boilers, which produce much lower carbon emissions.

This ban only applies to new homes, so if you already have a gas boiler, you won’t be required to replace it. However, the government is encouraging homeowners to switch to more sustainable heating options in order to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills.

Why is the ban necessary?

The UK has set a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, which means that we need to drastically reduce our carbon footprint in all sectors, including housing. Heating and hot water for homes are responsible for around 14% of the UK’s carbon emissions, with the majority of homes currently relying on gas boilers.

Gas boilers are a significant source of carbon emissions, as they burn fossil fuels to produce heat. By switching to low-carbon heating systems, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and move towards a more sustainable future.

What are the alternatives to gas boilers?

There are several low-carbon heating options available, including electric boilers, heat pumps, hydrogen boilers, and district heating systems.

  • Electric boilers work by using electricity to heat water for the home. These boilers are can be expensive to run but they are generally reliable and are appropriate for the majority of new builds and renovations which don’t have a suitable location for a heat pump or the infrastructure for hydrogen or district heating systems.
  • Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air or ground outside your home and using it to heat your home and hot water. They are very efficient and produce much lower carbon emissions than gas boilers. While they can be expensive to install, they can save you money on your energy bills in the long run.
  • Hydrogen boilers work in a similar way to gas boilers, but they burn hydrogen instead of natural gas. Hydrogen is a much cleaner fuel than natural gas, as it only produces water and heat when burned. However, there is currently limited infrastructure in place to produce and distribute hydrogen on a large scale, so this option is still in development.
  • District heating systems involve using a central boiler to provide heat and hot water to multiple buildings in a local area. The boiler can be powered by low-carbon sources such as biomass or waste heat from industrial processes. District heating systems are already in use in some parts of the UK and can be an effective way to reduce carbon emissions.

What can homebuilders and homeowners do to prepare for the ban?

If you are building a new home which will complete in 2025, it’s important to plan ahead and consider low-carbon heating options from the outset. Zebra Property can advise on your options here. 

However, if you have a gas boiler already, or are installing one before 2025 there is no requirement to upgrade and with regular maintenance a new boiler can heat your home for many years.

Joint Ventures

Zebra Property Group is in the unique position of having design, build, and developer capabilities under the same roof.

With a depth of experience and knowledge in the residential sector and a proven track record of forging joint ventures, Zebra are in the perfect position to realise a development opportunity, whether it be your property or a property bought in partnership.

With a proven track record of successful joint ventures in both London and Edinburgh, Zebra combine external finance with the use of a dedicated, expert in house team to allow value maximisation and creation.

If the property is already owned by you, no finance is required; Zebra will take the opportunity through planning at their own risk, and then carry out the construction element of the project at their own cost before reclaiming these costs when the property is sold. This approach means there is no risk or work required from you.

Please see our JV document for your development partnerships with property owners here.

Small Projects

Renovate & Repair

Zebra Renovate and Repair was formed in 2020 with a focus on planned smaller projects (e.g. bathrooms, kitchens or decorating) or planned and reactive repairs (leaking roofs, boiler replacements).

ZRR maintains the same professionalism as Zebra as a whole but we are designed to be more agile and quicker to react. No matter the size of the project, each is given the same level of care with a focus on always delivering a high-quality finish for clients.

Please click here to visit the Zebra Renovate and Repair website.

Project Management

Zebra’s experience combined with the tools and techniques they use allows for effective and efficient running of projects. They coordinate their different teams, contractors and use their professional network to ensure a smooth project with managed timelines and costs.

Zebra’s expertise and knowledge allows them to input and suggest ways to improve projects whilst ensuring that the project is delivered on time and to budget with a high-quality finish every property deserves.

Post-construction

During the post-construction stage, Zebra ensures the final details are meticulously checked before the building is entirely handed over to the client and ready for occupancy. Significant emphasis is made on final inspections, completion of snagging, training for the client, and more.

Zebra’s ethos is that maximum success cannot be achieved until the final two percent of the project is complete.

Construction

Zebra offers construction services across both the residential and commercial sectors in London and Edinburgh working with homeowners, developers, investors, and businesses alike.

Whether it be a full house refurbishment with a loft conversion and side return, a new build block of flats, commercial fit out or basement excavation, Zebra’s team is capable of turning your vision into a reality.

Our highly skilled and ambitious team approach, each individual project with meticulous attention to detail meaning we can deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Pre-construction

The Zebra team can work with you from project inception right through to the provision of final drawings for construction. Using their expert knowledge and experience in the pre-construction phase, Zebra help guide you
throughout the process, ensuring delivery of a breath-taking project that has been crafted and constructed to the very last detail.