The UK Government has taken a step towards achieving its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 by confirming the allocation of almost £2bn of funding to improve the energy efficiency of over 115,000 homes and public sector buildings such as schools and hospitals. The funding will be rolled out over a two-year period, beginning next month.

The funding will be split between two schemes: the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. The HUG will focus on upgrading the energy efficiency of owner-occupied and privately rented homes. Meanwhile, the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund will provide funding to social housing providers to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.

The allocation of funding has been welcomed by industry leaders, including National Energy Action chief Adam Scorer, who described the investment as “vital” and “desperately needed”. The investment will not only help to reduce carbon emissions but will also help to alleviate fuel poverty by reducing energy bills for households and reducing the burden on the NHS.

The investment in energy efficiency is a crucial step in the UK’s transition to a net-zero carbon economy. Buildings account for around 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions, and improving the energy efficiency of homes and public buildings will make a significant contribution to reducing the UK’s carbon footprint.

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