According to the Climate Change Advisory Council, the UK government needs to push for greater dependence on renewable energy for heating households, as opposed to the costly, imported fossil fuels currently in use. The council’s recent review of the construction industry, published on Thursday, suggested implementing measures specifically to aid the elderly in achieving warmer, more healthful homes. In spite of a decrease in building emissions by 6% last year as a result of fossil fuel costs, more action is needed.
The council praises the expansion and successful execution of the national plan to refurbish homes, which forecast nearly 48,000 homes would be retrofitted in 2023. However, the autonomous board appeals for renovations to public housing to be doubled and for the creation of steps to simplify and lower the cost of heat pump installation.
To fast-track the implementation of district heating schemes—systems that utilise waste heat from industries and supply affordable energy to neighbouring households—a national heat policy supported by legal provisions is crucial, the council points out. It insists that the so-called “embodied carbon emissions” in construction materials and existing structures be tackled, and the government must motivate renovations of abandoned and vacant properties as well as the increased use of environmentally-friendly building materials like timber.
The council’s chairwoman, Marie Donnelly, stressed the pressing need to eradicate fossil fuels from homes and offices. The government needs to take bigger strides in aiding everyone, especially the elderly and lower-income households likely to be living in poorly performing homes, in making eco-friendly decisions. More assistance must be allocated to these individuals, supplying them with the requisite help to refurbish their homes and decrease their heating expenses.
Ms Donnelly further stated that obstacles to the installation of heat pump systems must be overcome via escalated grants and enhanced information regarding their appropriateness and operation. She added that homes built after 2007 are now viewed as “heat pump ready”, precluding the need for a technical evaluation to qualify for grant assistance.
Jillian Mahon, a member of the Climate Council, has emphasised the importance of a robust National Planning Framework for the current year. It forms a crucial aspect of promoting urban redevelopment, facilitating compact growth, and optimising the utilisation of unused land.
She expressed approval of the recently launched scheme designed to provide homeowners with loans for home energy enhancements. In addition, Mahon stressed that there is a requirement for additional financial aids to assist those just slightly above the energy poverty line, yet still unable to afford a comprehensive retrofit.
The Climate Council has made assertions on the necessity for “sectoral adaptation plans” to fortify buildings against the increasing repercussions of climate change including flooding, severe rainfall, droughts, and violent storms. The domestic sector is progressing on schedule to achieve its allotted emission limits as per the carbon budget for 2021-2025.