Decarbonisation Feature
Decarbonisation
Breaking down barriers
With the UK’s aging social housing stock and stringent decarbonisation targets and legal obligations, Kelly Hibbert of Eurocell, examines the key challenges facing the sector in achieving emissions reduction goals while addressing fuel poverty.
T
he UK has the oldest social housing stock in Europe, presenting a significant hurdle to decarbonisation. Approximately 1.2 million social homes currently hold an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of
D or lower, underscoring the scale of the task ahead. To meet the government’s new targets, social housing properties must achieve
an EPC rating of C or higher by 2030. Tis necessitates extensive retrofitting, including improved insulation, enhanced glazing, and the adoption of more energy-efficient heating solutions. However, without sufficient funding, councils and housing associations face immense difficulty in fulfilling these requirements and aligning with the UK’s ambition to reach Net Zero by 2050. Te urgency extends beyond environmental imperatives, as tackling fuel
poverty remains a pressing concern. Last year, one in four social housing residents experienced fuel poverty, a figure expected to worsen with energy price increases. Ofgem’s recent announcements of further price hikes in January only intensify the need for immediate action.
BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN SOCIAL HOUSING DECARBONISATION Housing Management & Maintenance’s recent research (sponsored by Eurocell), Te Decarbonisation of Social Housing – Part Two, identified the primary
barriers stalling progress: • Insufficient funding: Eight in 10 respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the level of financial support for green housing initiatives.
• Lack of Government support and clarity: Only 37% of professionals felt well-informed about energy efficiency changes, and 70% rated the government’s performance in this area as poor or very poor.
• Limited awareness and accessibility of funding: Many industry professionals were unaware of available funding mechanisms or found the application process overly complex, excluding some providers with smaller housing stocks.
• Skilled labour shortages: Even where funding was secured, delays in mobilising skilled trade teams hampered retrofit project timelines.
THE WARM HOMES: SOCIAL HOUSING FUND WAVE 3 Te Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) has been succeeded by the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3, which launched in September. Tis initiative aims to enhance the energy efficiency of social housing stock by providing funding for measures such as insulation, glazing upgrades, heat pumps, and solar panels. Te government’s emphasis on a “fabric-first” approach, prioritising cost-
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMMDecember/January 2025 | 23
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