In 2022, the UK’s 30 million homes accounted for 17% of all UK carbon dioxide emissions. The main source of these emissions is the use of natural gas, including for heating, as most homes still rely on fossil fuels. Reducing carbon emissions from heating homes is therefore a key component contributing to government’s overall net zero target.
In 2021 the government published its Heat and Buildings Strategy, setting out how it will reduce carbon emissions from heating. It made 25 commitments, including how we warm (and cool) buildings. It sets out a gradual transition which starts with incentivising consumers and lowering the decarbonising costs they bear.
The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) is responsible for decarbonising home heating as part of its overall responsibility for achieving net zero. Our report will examine the changes that need to take place, government’s progress to date, and how it is set up to achieve its objective. This study complements and builds on our reports on energy and environment issues.
This report will consider:
- the changes that need to take place for government to decarbonise home heating by 2050
- government’s progress to date decarbonising home heating in line with its 2021 Heat and Buildings Strategy
- whether government is setting itself up to effectively decarbonise home heating by 2050
NAO Team
Director: Simon Bittlestone
Senior Audit Manager: Mark Bisset