“Too complicated” to adapt homes to net zero

Writing jointly in an open letter to the Prime Minister, Citizens Advice, Which?, Aldersgate Group and the Federation of Master Builders have said that it’s currently “too complicated” for people to adapt their homes for net zero. Because of this, they are urging the government to work with them to address the obstacles and ensure lessons from previous energy efficiency schemes are learned.

They also said that, by making the process as easy as possible for the public to engage with, the government can maintain public trust and realise the benefits of safer and warmer homes, innovation and jobs.

The coalition is also urging the government to avoid the mistakes of past energy efficiency schemes, which have left “too many people struggling” with damp and mould due to poorly installed insulation.

They’re asking the government to fix these problems through its upcoming Net Zero Strategy, and put in place a long-term strategy to help households overcome the barriers to adapting their homes.

Commenting on the news, Citizens Advice’s chief executive Clare Moriarty said: “Right now, making green changes to homes is too confusing and too often things go wrong for those trying to do the right thing. The public are behind the net-zero transition, but they need the right information and tools, particularly when it comes to adapting their home.

“By getting things right now, the government can give people the confidence to make changes and play their part in getting to net zero.”

Aldersgate Group’s executive director Nick Molho said: “The government has a significant opportunity with the upcoming Net Zero Strategy to set a clear direction of travel through predictable regulatory targets, easily accessible policy incentives and much-improved information and local support measures. It is vital that energy efficiency and low-carbon heat schemes are placed on a long-term footing, so that industry can invest, train its workforce, and grow consumer confidence.”