Healthy Homes: Achieving Net Zero Through Well-being

Net-zero goals are vital in tackling climate change. The UK has a legal target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. The housing sector and, more widely, real estate are significant contributors to global emissions.

To name a few figures, The built environment generates 40 per cent of all global CO2 emissions. In the UK, housing emissions are estimated to be 8.1 tonnes of CO2 per household per year. Most commentators would agree that we still face a monumental challenge in reducing our carbon footprint and making housing more sustainable.

However, the focus on technical jargon often leaves residents disengaged. Conversations with housing associations indicate that up to 40% refusal rates are a significant barrier in retrofit projects. Technical language scares people off and may go over their heads. Two-thirds of residents don’t consider improvements. The most common reason for this was the perception that their home was already efficient enough (35%), followed by not owning their own home (29%) and changes costing too much money (28%).”

Resident engagement and consultation are critical in any retrofit project. Shifting the conversation to health and well-being resonates more with individuals, leveraging this approach to increase community engagement and action.