Unlocking retrofitting to reduce UK carbon emissions
At COP29 toward the end of last year, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the conference and reiterated the UK’s commitment to cut emissions setting a new target of 81% by 2035. A large part of this will be achieved through retrofitting and addressing concerns on domestic properties.
Domestic energy consumption challenges
Although substantial strides have been made in reducing the carbon footprint of electricity, natural gas use still dominates, making up about 85% of the energy used for heating and cooking in homes across the UK. Another factor to consider is that a significant proportion of UK residents find it challenging to manage their heating expenses; in 2023, 36.4% of households in England were spending over 10% of their income on domestic energy.
The previous government set an ambitious goal of installing 600,000 heat pumps annually but achieved only 72,000 installations. Similarly, the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme aimed to retrofit 600,000 homes but succeeded with only about 47,500, largely due to execution issues and a shortage of skilled workers. Training the necessary specialists takes up to four years, a major bottleneck in the scheme’s performance.
UK behind in energy-efficient housing
The UK lags Europe’s with some of the oldest and least energy-efficient houses. Many of these buildings were erected before modern energy efficiency standards, with around 40% dating back to before 1945. As a result, domestic properties significantly contribute to carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 15% of the UK’s total emissions. Retrofitting these homes can substantially reduce their environmental impact through enhanced insulation, efficient heating systems, and improved glazing.
Economic Benefits:
- Lower energy bills for residents, which is crucial given the increasing energy costs
- Enhanced property values
- Creation of jobs within the retrofit sector
- Reduced long-term maintenance expenses
- Protection from future energy price fluctuations
Health and Wellbeing:
Poorly insulated homes can lead to various health issues, including:
- Respiratory issues caused by mould and dampness
- Illnesses due to cold, particularly affecting the elderly and young children
- Mental health challenges from living in cold and uncomfortable homes
- Poor indoor air quality
The UK government has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and improving as many homes as possible to EPC Band C by 2035. This is part of the Clean Growth Strategy, which emphasises building energy efficiency. None of this is without challenge. High upfront costs for homeowners, a shortage of skilled workers in the retrofit industry, and complex planning and implementation processes create barriers. Additionally, there is limited awareness of available options and a need for better funding. If these targets are hit, however, there will be a positive social impact.