Plumbing courses could be in greater demand in the future, if the recommendations of a new study are implemented and new regulations are applied to heat pumps.

Simon Green, head of business development at the Energy Saving Trust, explained to BBC News that the report showed there are carbon savings to be made in the UK using the devices, but more information on performance must be collected.

New regulations relating to heat pumps, which transfer heat from the air or ground to be used in a residential setting, could inspire some technicians to sign up for plumbing courses.

"We have a responsibility to make sure that customers' investments are spent on measures that lead to the greatest potential to save carbon and reduce energy bills," Mr Green told the news provider.

Last month, BBC News revealed that construction had begun on the first ever 'energy house', which will be used by academics to test the effectiveness of various energy-saving products and strategies.

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