National Home Energy Survey 2024

• We surveyed more than 2000 adults across the UK
• About their attitudes towards low-carbon technology (LCT), the environment and government policy towards tackling climate change
• Download the report and read the key findings here

What do people really think about green technology, the environment and government policy towards tackling climate change?

What are their priorities when it comes to investing in low-carbon technology for their homes, and what help do they need from the government to be able to do so?

These are all questions that we looked to answer with the NHES 2024 – in association with Project Solar.

We asked more than 2000 adults from across the UK about their attitudes towards:

• Investing in low-carbon technology (LCT)
• The environment, and
• Government policy towards tackling climate change.
  

NHES 2024 – key findings

• 93% of people are aware of at least one low-carbon technology (LCT), demonstrating a high level of potential for adoption.
• Only 37% of people have bought an LCT in the past 12 months, indicating a gap between awareness and adoption.
• The main barrier to LCT adoption is cost, with 48% citing high upfront costs as the main barrier.
• There a significant lack of awareness about the available grants and initiatives, with more and a quarter unaware of any.
• The public is interested in receiving actionable, practical tips for reducing their carbon footprint, with 16% saying so.
• Half of all people would switch to energy providers that only use renewable energy.
• Financial motivations dominate decisions to adopt LCTs, with 51% citing energy bill savings as the primary factor.
• A large majority – 81% – are happy with LCTs when they adopt them – EVs and solar panels are the ones people are most satisfied with.
• Sixty-eight percent believe the government should offer tax incentives or rebates for energy-efficient appliances.
• There’s a severe decline in the number of people who think we’re in a ‘climate emergency’ – down to 51% from 73% in 2023.
• Political parties are not doing enough to cut carbon emissions, according to 62% of people.
• Satisfaction with government action differs by region, with 74% in Wales saying policymakers aren’t doing enough.
• There is scepticism about the new government’s ability to reduce carbon emissions, with 39% doubting, and only 28% believing in its potential impact.
• The most recognised government grant is the Winter Fuel Payment, while schemes designed specifically for energy efficiency or renewables have relatively low recognition.

Report reaction

In response to the release of the report, Tom Armstrong Managing Director of Project Solar, official NHES 2024 sponsor, said:

“As the pressures of climate change intensify and energy bills continue to rise, understanding the landscape of the UK’s renewables market has never been more critical.

At Project Solar, we are proud to collaborate with The Eco Experts on this report, which not only shines a light on the tremendous opportunities within the sector, but also underscores the challenges we must tackle head-on.

It’s incredibly heartening to see that the vast majority of those who invest in low-carbon technologies (LCTs) are extremely satisfied.

Over the last 13 years, we’ve consistently received the same positive feedback from our customers, who report significant savings on energy costs thanks to their solar panels.

However, there remains a clear gap between awareness and widespread adoption of LCT. The challenge for government, industry leaders, and businesses alike is to bridge this gap—by effectively communicating the benefits, and simplifying the process for consumers to transition to cleaner energy.

Our hope is that this report will inspire accelerated adoption of renewable technologies, driving us towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for the UK. Together, we can meet the environmental and energy challenges of our time while empowering more people to embrace a greener way of living.”

Bean Beanland of the Heat Pump Federation said:

“The latest National Home Energy Survey 2024 provides an insightful understanding of current public opinion with respect to climate, energy and the impact that households can have on emissions.

“The conclusions mirror almost exactly what the Heat Pump Federation is finding when meeting community groups across the country through its public engagement activities. Homeowners and landlords need a better explanation as to why decarbonisation is so important, what their role can be, what options they have and, critically, how these will be made affordable and what benefits will result, both in reduced energy costs and improved quality of life.

“Government has a key part to play in making the ‘lowest carbon heat, the lowest cost heat’, by taking the policy steps needed to reduce the price of increasing decarbonised electricity. This needs to be done in a fair and transparent way so that those least able to afford heating comfort are not left out in the cold. Once the pathway to lower cost electricity is secure, the heat pump sector will work with financial institutions and government to put in place affordable routes to market for all consumers, domestic and commercial.

“In the transition, it’s vital to reassure the public that we have been here before. In the late sixties and early seventies, central heating was considered to be only for the wealthy. The reality proved to be completely different, and most of the deployment was self-funded, with homeowners finding ways to finance the installation to benefit from increased comfort and convenience. The air quality improvement from migrating away from coal was an added bonus. Half a century on, we have available another technology revolution which will further increase comfort and convenience, and which will further reduce the human cost of urban air pollution.

“With appropriate policy, robust consumer protections and visible affordability, there is no doubt that heat pump technologies will become as commonplace as central heating. There is time for all to benefit from the decarbonisation of domestic energy, provided that the acceleration of adoption starts now!”

About the National Home Energy Survey

The National Home Energy Survey (NHES) 2024 – in association with Project Solar is The Eco Experts’ flagship consumer insights project. It has been conducted each year since 2022.