Beama concerns over Low Carbon Buildings programme closure

British electrotechnical industry association Beama has expressed its dismay over the coalition government's closure of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) to new applications (from 24 May 2010).

The closure is part of the Government's commitment to delivering £6bn of departmental spending cuts in 2010/11, with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) contributing £85m to this total.

£3m of savings is being taken from the programme resulting in its immediate closure to new applications. The DECC says LCBP has been successful in increasing the UK's uptake of low carbon buildings technology, developing the assembly, supplier and installer base, especially for electrical microgeneration.

However, Kelly Butler, Beama's marketing director (pictured) said: "Given the economic situation we appreciate cut backs are inevitable and not an easy task. But, Beama expresses concern over the funding gap presented by the LCBP closure.

"Government has rightly recognised that the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) would take up the role of incentivising renewable heat technologies such as heat pumps. But, we are also concerned that government has not now made a clear statement showing support for the RHI, which would give confidence to the market.

"The RHI consultation closed during April 2010, and Beama calls for fast announcements on RHI levels, with firm Government support for their introduction in April 2011.

"Without this commitment, we question the UK's ability to ensure 12% of heat is renewable by 2020 - that is the heat contribution to the overall renewable target."