iBUILD researchers at Leeds University launch the Leeds Heat Planning Tool, a district heating planning tool for England and Wales, that can help local energy planners reduce fuel poverty.  The tool can help promote district heating and could help councils cut household fuel bills.

District heating can reduce household fuel bills by as much as 40% under the right business models. It makes use of highly efficient generation technologies such as combined heat and power plants or heat that would otherwise go to waste.
District heating has been highlighted as an important energy technology for the UK’s future low-carbon energy system.

The Leeds Heat Planning Tool, developed by researchers Ruth Bush and Dr Catherine Bale, offers energy planners a quick and simple way to include social considerations, such as fuel poverty, right from the early stages of planning a district heating development.
“Many local authorities are keen to use the opportunity that district heating presents to reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty at the same time,” said Ruth Bush. “This tool offers an evidence base for planners to build a strong business case to ensure this can happen.”

Use the free online tool and see the accompanying report and video at:
http://sure-infrastructure.leeds.ac.uk/leedsheatplanningtool/