The Climate Change Advisory Council has said the Government must do more to help everyone make sustainable choices in insulating and heating their homes.
It has called for the rate of energy upgrades to social homes to be doubled and for special measures to be introduced to support older people achieve warmer more comfortable homes.
It noted that only about 70 grant-aided heat pumps per week were installed last year even though 78% of residential buildings are technically suitable for them without any further energy efficiency improvements. The council said the recently launched Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is welcome, but further financial mechanisms are needed to support those just above the threshold for energy poverty who cannot afford a deep retrofit.
The report said only two district heating systems, supplying less than 3% of the national 2030 district heat target, look likely to be in operation by 2030. Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council Marie Donnelly said the reliance on expensive, imported fossil fuels needs to end so that people can afford to heat their homes sustainably.
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