District heating systems - through which heat is supplied to domestic and industrial / commercial buildings from a communal boiler or heat source - has a significant role to play in reducing carbon emissions, since it is much more efficient than individual boilers. However, it is only viable where there is sufficient density of heat demand to absorb the cost of the distribution pipework. The Isle of Wight Council has commissioned a Heat Mapping report to identify those areas on the Island with greatest heat demand density and those buildings which currently consume most fuel. The report is being used by the Planning Department to assess areas in which planning policy could require the installation of district heating systems in new developments. In time, these systems could be extended to neighbouring buildings.
Click here to view the Isle of Wight Heat Mapping report .