The G15 has responded to the Net Zero Review launched by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.

Improving the sustainability of the homes we provide, and cutting costs for residents of heating and powering their homes, is a critical priority for all G15 members. When gas and electricity bills are taken together, those living in the least energy efficient homes will pay almost £2,000 extra per year compared to EPC C rated homes. Combined with the impact of increased carbon emissions from less energy efficient homes, these figures demonstrate the importance of continued investment in improving the energy efficiency of existing homes.

We welcome the government’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, and the consensus across the political spectrum of the need to address climate change.

Not-for-profit housing associations are already making good progress in improving the energy efficiency of the homes we provide. Around 71% of G15 members existing homes already meet EPC C, and all general needs homes are required to meet this level by 2030. However, to meet net zero across the homes we provide, significant further investment will be required, with G15 members currently estimating costs of between £10bn-£11bn to achieve the target.

Estimating the cost of achieving net zero by 2050 is currently extremely difficult. There are a range of parameters that are not yet known, or confirmed, such as what fabric standards will be necessary to support clean heat, and how we can accurately measure decarbonisation. The government has an important role to play in giving the policy certainty to allow housing providers to take long-term decisions to improve the sustainability of our homes. Alongside this, funding and ensuring the right skills are available in the workforce, are critical areas for the government to focus on.