BEIS study to investigate hard to decarbonise homes

Heat in buildings accounts for 37 per cent of annual greenhouse gas emissions. However, an estimated ten million homes in Britain are difficult to insulate or improve by conventional means.

In line with the government’s net zero 2050 target, this project aims to identify these homes and define what makes a home ‘hard to treat’ in the context of energy efficiency, with a practical framework aiming to help inform policy and guidance on tackling challenging properties.

The study is being undertaken by a collaboration between the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London and urban innovation agency DG Cities.

Initial research includes an assessment of existing evidence, and interviews with specialists in housing, energy, conservation, industry, residents’ associations and built environment professionals, among others, to build an extensive evidence base.

“This isn’t just about buildings, it’s about people – ‘hard to treat’ doesn’t just mean the properties, but also the diversity of ownership, needs, as well as the time and budget residents are able to spend,” said Ed Houghton, head of research and service design at DG Cities.