Around 20% or 1 in 5 households across the UK are living in inadequately insulated homes. That's according to new research from BSRIA, the Building Services Research and Information Association

We all know that the UK has the oldest and least efficient housing stock across the whole of Europe with many households living in old, solid wall or post war non-traditionally constructed properties build quickly but designed for the short term only. Now BSRIA commissioned a study of 2,000 UK homeowners and tenants to investigate and identify the main factors contributing to the energy inefficiency of homes.

The research revealed that:

• Poor or inadequate insulation in walls, roofs, or floors is the primary challenge for 20% of homes
• A quarter (23%) of homeowners flagged drafty doors and windows as a concern
• Some 22% identified a lack of smart heating controls as a key issue affecting energy efficiency
• Around a fifth (18%) said they were worried about poor ventilation in their home leading to condensation or mould

Comparing results from across the country it was found that London residents were most likely to be battling over the thermostat setting with one in seven (14%) reporting this as a challenge compared to an average 8% of consumers across the UK.

Energy performance certificates (EPCs) have been in the news alot over recent weeks as a result of plans announced at the Labour Party Conference for all social housing in England to be required to reach an EPC rating of at least C by 2030. This is subject to a consultation, which is due to take place later this year, and intended to help lift tenants out of fuel poverty, as well as help the UK reach its climate goals.

Despite a high focus on and a growing awareness of EPC's the survey showed that only around 6% of homeowners know what the rating of their property actually is! Of greater concern is tha fact that just 17% are aware of the diverse options available to improve their home’s energy efficiency. This suggests a significant knowledge gap as the UK aims for more sustainable living ... surprising considering such a high focus on domestic energy efficiency and the fuel crisis in general.

Only one in five people (20%) consider their home to be energy efficient, with over-55s most likely to stay warm this winter.

Tom Garrigan, Technical Director at BSRIA said:
 

“EDF figures indicate that the average semi-detached homeowner could save up to £235 a year if they upgraded their cavity-wall insulation, £225 by having a well-insulated loft, or £315 a year if they updated their solid wall insulation. However, it’s clear from this research that, despite the energy crisis, little progress has been made in educating the British public on ways to improve the efficiency of their home, meaning millions are missing out on significant savings on their energy bills.”

According to the research, over half of British homeowners (55%) are unfamiliar with the term retrofit in relation to buildings. This involves taking steps to make homes more self-sufficient, through energy-efficiency measures like loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double-glazing.

Lisa Ashworth, CEO at BSRIA said:
 

“We spend around 90% of our time indoors in the UK. Improving the energy efficiency of homes is important to tackling fuel poverty and reducing emissions, but it’s also crucial for the long-term physical and mental wellbeing of the population. The health implications of poorly insulated homes are staggering, and we urgently need to improve our building stock to safeguard people and ensure that everyone has a warm and comfortable place to live.

“The drive toward retrofitting buildings, although not without its challenges, presents an opportunity to address longstanding quality issues in our homes, delivering quality and reducing carbon. It’s a win-win.”

It would appear we still have a good deal of work to do to educate and get our message across!