A significant number of UK homeowners are preparing to make energy efficiency upgrades to their homes, but most of the planned improvements are unlikely to have a major impact on reducing carbon emissions, a new report reveals.
The report, commissioned by the MCS Foundation and based on a YouGov survey, shows that 43% of homeowners are planning energy efficiency measures, with 36% intending to act within the next two years. While these upgrades are a positive sign of growing awareness about energy efficiency, the report warns that the majority of planned measures, such as loft insulation or installing new radiators, will not substantially contribute to the UK’s net zero goals.
According to the survey, over half of homeowners planning upgrades expect to spend up to £5,000, while only 10% intend to spend more than £10,000 on improvements. The most popular changes include loft insulation, double-glazed windows, and new radiators, but fewer homeowners are prioritizing significant low-carbon solutions like heat pumps. Only 10% of respondents are considering installing a heat pump, a key technology identified in the UK’s transition to greener heating.
The MCS Foundation’s report highlights the urgency of transitioning to low-carbon heating solutions, noting that the vast majority of UK homes will need to replace gas boilers with alternatives such as heat pumps in the coming decades. Despite this, the report found that environmental benefits were a motivating factor for just 26% of homeowners, with most prioritizing lower energy bills and increased home comfort.
“The technology and solutions to make millions of homes comfortable, healthy, and zero-carbon are available,” said Alastair Mumford, Programme Director at The MCS Foundation. “But we need homeowners to be informed and supported in making the transition in the most effective way.”
The report underscores the need for government intervention, calling for a national awareness campaign to educate homeowners on the benefits of low-carbon heating systems and broader energy efficiency measures. It also advocates for innovative financing solutions to make large-scale retrofitting more accessible to the general public.
Although the UK has seen a rise in heat pump installations, the report stresses that the country is still far from meeting its targets, with substantial work needed to encourage widespread adoption of low-carbon heating.
As the country looks to meet its net zero objectives, the report suggests that more effective public engagement and financial support could help accelerate the transition, preventing the risk of homeowners focusing on smaller, less impactful changes that do little to address the UK’s long-term climate goals.
