This week we kicked off our newly rebooted EcoCounts Mondays with a practical deep dive into gas boilers, heat pumps, and what renters can realistically do when their landlord controls the heating system. And of course there was something edible on offer – an ultra-low carbon carrot and coriander soup with baguette. More on food coming up in the next EcoCounts Mondays.
Jack, our data and engagement lead, opened with a clear explanation of how gas boilers and heat pumps differ. Although they’re often treated as simple like-for-like swaps, the two systems work in completely different ways. Most UK homes still use one of three types of gas boilers—combi, system, or heat-only—all of which rely on the gas grid and contribute significantly to household emissions. A typical gas boiler produces around 2.2 tonnes of CO₂ a year, more than several transatlantic flights, and heating accounts for 18% of UK greenhouse-gas emissions. Replacing a boiler is expensive, and government policies and grants still leave many households, especially renters, without viable alternatives.
We were pleased to welcome Jonathan Ward, an engineer specialising in sustainable building design, who installed the air-source heat pump and solar panels at St Luke’s, our venue. Jonathan walked through the realities of retrofitting, responding to questions ranging from insulation to radiators, installation space, and real-world running costs. Heat pumps can reduce emissions by up to 2 tonnes of CO₂ per year, and when paired with solar panels can approach carbon-neutral operation, but they still require upfront investment and property-owner commitment.
A highlight of the evening was the attendance of two members from Retrofit Kentish Town, who brought their own valuable local experience to the conversation. Together, the group explored what renters can do to influence landlords – here’s a download letter template that you can use to write to your landlord containing the information about running costs and carbon savings, highlighting the benefits to the landlord on costs and red tape.
Overall, it was a focused, practical start to the new EcoCounts Mondays programme: a space where people can understand the issues behind everyday climate decisions, and work out how to take action even when the choices aren’t entirely in their hands.
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our EcoTip Gas Boilers and Landlords or explore our wiki page on what tenants should know about landlord-controlled heating.
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