What is the situation across the UK?
The below tabs show the devolved governments strategies towards improving energy efficiency on the journey to net zero emissions.
In October 2021, the UK Government published its Heat and Buildings Strategy. The strategy sets out how the UK will decarbonise homes, and our commercial, industrial and public sector buildings, as part of setting a path to net zero by 2050.
The role of decarbonising buildings in delivering carbon targets for Wales is set out in the Welsh Government’s Low Carbon Delivery Plan.
In October 2021, the Scottish Government published Heat in Buildings Strategy — achieving net zero emissions in Scotland's buildings.
The Energy Management Strategy and Action Plan for Northern Ireland Central Government aims to support and significantly accelerate actions to maximise exploitation of energy efficiency opportunities.
Propertymark's position
We want to see more energy-efficient homes, but new rules and requirements must be realistic and achievable. Without providing landlords and homeowners with incentives and access to sustained funding, it is unlikely that energy efficiency targets for the private rented sector and a reduction in emissions across the property sector will be met.
Our recommendations
Our recommendations will assist homeowners, landlords, and tenants in saving money, creating new jobs, and combating climate change.
Our recent consultation responses
Stormont has the chance to address critical housing issues with policy refresh
The Department for Communities (DfC) is refreshing it's proposals for reform of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) which were first published in 2017. In response to their stakeholder survey, Propertymark has urged the DfC to prioritise increasing housing supply, regulating property agents, and taking a carefully considered approach to energy efficiency targets.
New homes to boost progress to net zero
The UK Government’s detailed proposals for the 2025 Future Homes and Buildings Standards will amend existing legislation to set new minimum energy efficiency requirements for buildings in England. Most changes will apply to new homes and non-domestic buildings and should ensure no further work will be needed for new buildings to produce zero carbon emissions as the electricity grid decarbonises.
Pathway to clean heat in buildings charted
The Scottish Government has set out proposals for how homeowners and landlords can meet energy efficiency targets and reconfirmed its intention to ban polluting heating systems from 2045. Whilst Propertymark welcomes the ambition, we believe enhancements are needed to make the plans achievable.
Adequate funding and support essential to energy efficiency targets
Propertymark has responded to the consultation from the Department of Finance urging them to prioritise long-term investment over short-term target setting to avoid negative impacts on homebuilding and rental stocks. Any targets that are set must be realistic and come with sufficient support for property owners
Propertymark Welsh Budget representation
Focusing on the key housing sector themes, Propertymark is calling for prioritisation of work with the PRS on homelessness, investment in reliable data collection, and a boost in support for decarbonisation.
Property logbooks would be the best solution to EPC reform
Propertymark has responded supportively to the Scottish Government’s consultation on changes to Energy Performance Certificates whilst adding recommendations on assistance for the property sector to move towards net zero and a call for adequate time to implement any changes.
Guidance for members
Our latest guidance for ARLA Propertymark and ARLA Inventories members discusses the state of play across the UK. It gives practical tips on what you can do right now and how to access available funding from a variety of schemes across the devolved Governments.
Smart meter awareness
Smart meters are a part of plans by policy makers for a smart energy system that will facilitate carbon emissions reductions—a key focus is improving take up in private rented properties.
Propertymark believe that tenants, landlords, letting agents and energy companies all have a role to play in improving smart meter take up but this can often be down to different types of properties and tenancy management arrangements in the private rented sector.
Smart Energy GB has launched a dedicated page on their website with information about smart meters for the private rented sector, including resources for private landlords, letting agents and tenants.
Research reports
Making UK property energy efficient
Financial implications, practicality, consequences, and communication surrounding energy efficiency measures are key concerns cited in Propertymark’s latest report which provides recommendations to help homeowners, landlords, and tenants save money, create new jobs and fight climate change.
Lagging behind: energy efficiency in low-viability properties
This report raises concerns over the affordability of retrofitting properties and highlights that residents in the North of England will be the hardest hit. Failure to factor in huge regional variations in property costs when incentivising homeowners and landlords to meet national net zero targets risks deepening economic inequality.
Additional resources for members
In addition to our energy efficiency guide, we also have several fact sheets and frequently asked questions to help assist members on specific areas of energy efficiency legislation.
Fact sheet: Spray foam installation
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF), commonly referred to as spray foam, is a liquid material used to insulate homes. An alternative to traditional building insulation, it's especially advantageous for improving energy efficiency through insulating difficult and tight spaces. However, consumers should carefully consider the impact it can have on valuations, lenders decisions and surveys.
Fact sheet: Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 introduce measures to improve the energy efficiency of private rented property.
Fact sheet: Tenant’s Energy Efficiency Improvements
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 introduce measures to improve the energy efficiency of private rented property under the Energy Act 2011.
FAQs: Non-domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standards for commercial property
Since 1 April 2018 all new tenancies of non-domestic (commercial), properties must reach the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standard of E or above. The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 make clear that as of 1 April 2023, the regulations will apply to all tenancies, including existing and ongoing tenancies.
FAQs: Heat and Buildings Strategy
The Heat and Buildings Strategy sets out the UK Government’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2050. Learn more about the scheme and the implications for estate, letting and commercial agents.
FAQs: New digital service to improve energy efficiency performance
On 30 September 2020, the UK Housing Minister launched a new digital service to help homeowners improve the energy performance of their homes and cut their energy bills.