Providing More Public Support Is The Key To Unlocking The Net Zero Home

Media Relations

T: 01784 843000

E: media@centrica.com

British Gas unveils its third annual Net Zero Action Rankings report, revealing that while there is an overwhelming willingness to adopt green technology, more support is needed to turn ambition into action.

• Majority of British homeowners (80%) want to make changes to their homes, but transition needs to be simple and affordable to encourage them.
• Climate change continues to be a pressing issue, but trumped by cost of living, quality of the NHS, the economy, and immigration.
• However, report reveals an increase in optimism with the change in Government – with a 10% increase in belief that new Government is committed to net zero target.

After interviewing over 12,000 people since 2021, British Gas has revealed its 3rd annual report on the nation’s attitudes towards net zero, highlighting the need for simple and affordable solutions as well as clear support for homeowners.

The research found that willingness to adapt their homes is high, with a significant majority - 8 in 10 - saying that they would be willing to make changes to their own home to help the country tackle climate change.

Despite this, ongoing financial and societal factors remain - while 57% see it as one of the most pressing issues of our time, it is still fifth to cost of living, quality of the NHS, the economy, and immigration. With the cost of living remaining the nation’s primary concern, almost half 48% of the public believe we should prioritise keeping heating costs low, even if it means contributing more to climate change.

Dan Rosenfield, Managing Director of Centrica New Business and Net Zero, says “Our research is clear - the nation is ready and willing to do more to help the UK reach net zero, but they need support to make their journey simple and affordable. 

Our role as the nation’s leading energy provider means we have a significant responsibility to step up to the plate - and we are doing just that. British Gas and Hive are putting the customer at the heart of the transition to ensure no one is left behind. To do this, we are introducing new dynamic tariffs, eco-tech subscriptions and partnering with other like-minded companies to give customers choice and control over their energy usage.” 

The public’s political perception

The general election of this year has boosted net zero hopes, with a 10% increase in the proportion of the public which think that the new Government is committed to the net zero target. Additionally, there has been a 16% drop in the proportion of the UK who think the Government is not doing enough.

But while there has been a slight increase in optimism with the new Government, pessimism overall abounds; 61% of the nation lacks confidence that the UK will reach net zero by 2050.

Rosenfield continued: “Reaching net zero will be a collaborative effort among us all, and we look forward to our continued conversations with Government to help simplify green grants which are a key component in helping drive uptake of low carbon technology. In delivering this, we will achieve our ambition of creating a greener, fairer future for all.”   

Green technology upgrades

Insulation is the most popular green upgrade (74%), closely followed by triple glazing (55%). This suggests that homeowners are opting for more familiar and lower-cost options when it comes to home upgrades.

This year, solar panels have grown in popularity, 59% of respondents said it was important to install solar panels, with 12% saying it was essential - last year, 43% said it was important showing a clear increase in perceptions of this technology. Homeowners are also more open to installing solar panels in the next 10 years - the challenge is to incentivise them to take action sooner rather than later. 

Barriers to the net zero home

The main concern is the cost of installation (62%), followed by worries that the up-front expense won’t lead to enough savings on energy bills (25%) and confusion over available Government grants (21%). 

When asked about Government grants in general, 56% of respondents said they find the current system of grants and subsidies difficult to understand - only half that number (29%) find them easy to understand. This is a key area where a new central Government can help to improve the information available, so homeowners are able to make educated choices and access the financial support that is available to them.

To read the report in further detail and to understand how to unlock your net zero home, please click here.