Are UK homes getting any greener?

The ongoing conversation around climate change and sustainability is becoming more and more important as time goes on. And with the UK government’s ambitious targets for energy efficiency, it raises the question, “Are UK homes actually getting any greener?”

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the current state of UK homes and the steps being taken to create a more sustainable future. Let’s get into it.

• Progress and challenges in making UK homes greener
• What grants can you get for your house?
• What is the Future Homes Standard?
• The role of homeowners and landlords

Progress and challenges in making UK homes greener

The journey to greener homes in the UK is ongoing, but progress has been slow.

According to Rightmove’s 2023 Greener Homes Report, many homes still have low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings. In 2023, 60% of homes for sale and 50% of rental properties were rated D or below.

While there have been some improvements, if we continue at the current pace, it would take decades to bring all homes up to an A-C rating.

Retrofitting existing homes can be difficult, in part because homeowners lack knowledge about the best energy-saving measures. But, perhaps the biggest roadblock is the initial cost.

For many, insulation, double glazing, and renewable energy systems like solar panel installations and heat pumps can be incredibly expensive.

However, making these upgrades is essential if we are to meet the government’s targets, as 80% of the buildings that will be in use in 2050 already exist today.

What grants can you get for your house?

The UK government has backed several schemes that promote energy efficiency and support homeowners with the costs of making green improvements.

Two of the main initiatives are ECO4 and GBIS.

ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation)

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government-backed scheme that funds energy-efficient home improvements to reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.

Under the ECO4 scheme, energy companies are obligated to help households install measures such as insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy systems. This scheme is mainly for low-income households, helping vulnerable families reduce their energy bills and improve living conditions.

GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme)

Similarly to ECO4, the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) aims to improve the energy efficiency of UK homes by offering insulation grants to homeowners.

Operated by Ofgem, this initiative provides homeowners and landlords with the resources and financial support needed to insulate their properties effectively.

Covering a wide range of insulation types, from cavity walls to loft insulation, the scheme targets both new builds and existing homes.

What is the Future Homes Standard?

The Future Homes Standard will obligate new homes from 2025 to have high-efficiency standards and be Net Zero ready. This means they must produce as much energy as they use with the help of:

• Solar panels
• Battery storage systems
• Heat pumps

New builds have the advantage of being designed with energy efficiency in mind from the start.

Proper insulation, passive solar design, and renewable energy systems can be seamlessly integrated, reducing the need for expensive retrofits down the line. These measures will not only reduce the carbon footprint of new homes but also lower energy costs for homeowners across the country.

The role of homeowners and landlords

While government initiatives and new building standards are important, the role of individual homeowners and landlords can’t be overlooked.

Many homeowners are motivated to make green improvements to save on energy bills. Simple upgrades like installing energy-efficient lighting and appliances are common, but larger changes, such as adding solar panels or heat pumps, need a bigger upfront investment.

Landlords also face challenges in making their properties greener; the Rightmove report found that many landlords prefer to sell poorly rated properties rather than invest in upgrades. However, there is a growing trend of prioritising energy efficiency, with 61% of landlords now avoiding properties with an EPC rating below C.

A greener future is within reach with Grant Store

UK homes are gradually becoming greener, but the journey is far from over. Government schemes like ECO4 and GBIS provide much-needed support, and the upcoming Future Homes Standard will set a strong foundation for new builds.

However, retrofitting existing homes and encouraging the wider use of energy-efficient measures still face some big hurdles. Whether you’re a homeowner or a landlord, making your property more energy efficient could be easier than you think.

Our team of experts at Grant Store can help you find which funding you’re eligible for, support you through the application and carry out the installation for you. From updating an inefficient gas boiler to kitting out your home with solid wall insulation, clean energy and cheaper bills could be just one call away.