Policymakers across the globe are searching for solutions to reduce the use of fossil fuels and their associated climate impacts. Attention has focused on the heating sector, which relies heavily on fossil fuels and was responsible for almost 40% of global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2021, according to the International Energy Agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heating decarbonisation efforts include energy efficiency measures and fuel-switching technologies. Many households and building owners face barriers to successfully adopting these clean heating solutions, however, prompting decision-makers to develop policy frameworks using a suite of different instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One emerging policy solution is the clean heat standard. This innovative tool places a performance requirement on heating market actors to increase the uptake of clean heat products and services, and offers flexibility within a range of eligible actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Clean heat standards handbook<\/em>, written by a RAP team led by Marion Santini, provides step-by-step guidance on constructing one of these policies. It offers insights into how such an instrument might impact various groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The authors draw on RAP\u2019s collective and longstanding expertise on energy regulation, alongside experience supporting jurisdictions engaging with clean heat standards, such as Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts and Vermont in the United States, and the United Kingdom. Recommendations for those assessing the potential role for a clean heat standard in a given jurisdiction include to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n