British Gas Net Zero Homes Index

How does the UK public feel about the journey to net zero?

UK families want to make changes to their homes to tackle climate change

There is a lack of confidence among the public about the UK’s journey to Net Zero, with most believing that the country will reach its goal closer to 2075 rather than 2050. The research also showed concerns over policy gaps, with over half (54%) saying they were not confident that the Government would cut emissions sufficiently by 2050. In fact, one in five (19%) respondents thought that the UK would never achieve net zero.

Climate change is considered more important by the public than immigration, taxation, housing or Brexit. But fears over the cost of living have risen to make this the dominant priority for the British public.

Despite this pessimism, climate change is ranked as the fourth most important issue facing the country. This figure varies regionally, with 66% in London saying it is one of the most pressing issues, compared with only 55% in the North East. Younger people are more concerned about the climate, more willing to act and more willing to pay for measures that cut household emissions.

Energy price pressures are driving the public to consider making changes to their homes, such as installing energy efficiency products. Among homeowners, almost half (48%) said they were willing to install improved insulation in the next two years and 42% said they’d be willing to install solar panels.