With climate concerns at an all-time high, the housing sector faces increasing pressure to decarbonise. The Government’s net zero 2050 commitments loom large, while tenants struggle with high energy costs in inefficient homes. Despite allocating £6 billion to cut energy use in housing, including the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, progress remains slow.
Confidence in the sector’s ability to meet these targets is low, exacerbated by political instability and government backtracking on key measures. Our latest study revisits the state of social housing, following a 2023 survey that found 41% of tenants in fuel poverty and 80% of housing energy performance deemed inadequate.
Our recent survey of housing professionals reveals some progress, but significant challenges persist. This white paper examines how improving social housing efficiency can address both environmental and economic challenges, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate fuel poverty.