SUMMARY
from Energy Systems Catapult's 2019 report for the CCC
Energy Systems Catapult's report for the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) focuses on the impacts of a net-zero target for households across six areas: heat, transport, electricity use, aviation, diet and waste.
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heat decarbonisation will involve
improvements to the fabric of homes
adoption of low carbon heating systems including heat pumps, district heating and hydrogen boilers
smart control systems to provide the experience households want
local area planning to guarantee a joined-up approach and avoid unnecessary cost
reducing transport emissions will require
a reduction in overall distances travelled, through measures such as flexible working
a shift from private cars to more sustainable modes of transport like buses, trains, walking and cycling
where cars are necessary, more efficient use, e.g. through carpooling
switching to electric and potentially hydrogen vehicles
decarbonising electricity use means
large-scale renewables, nuclear, or gas with carbon capture and storage
household participation through micro-generation and energy storage technologies
smart appliances offering demand side response, as part of a future smart grid
curbing aviation emissions will involve
cooperation from airlines, through more efficient aircraft and flight management, and accelerated deployment of advanced technologies like hybrid electric planes
increased individual deliberation over the need for air travel
agricultural emissions can be reduced through
diet change, especially reducing meat and dairy consumption
improved farming practices
emissions arising from landfill can be eased through
waste reduction
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achieving net zero will require households to engage more profoundly in the transition around heat, transport, aviation and diet. this is a challenge but also an opportunity: many of the actions would have co-benefits such as reduced congestion, improved air quality, expansion of green spaces and improved physical and mental health.