Lead researcher Claire Brown, a PhD researcher at The University of Manchester’s Tyndall Manchester, said: “The UK is not moving fast enough to protect residents from the impacts of climate change. Our research makes clear that we urgently need a comprehensive climate-resilience framework – one that brings together strategy, regulation, construction practice and smart energy-demand management.
“Thermal comfort is a basic human need and our social homes must be safe, affordable and resilient. Overheating is already a risk, particularly for vulnerable residents, yet cooling is barely discussed in policy or practice. From our interviews, we can see that the construction sector is ready to act, but it needs clear direction, long-term commitment and a fair policy framework from the government.”
The UK is committed to building over 1.5 million new homes while achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The researchers stress that without urgent action, the UK will fall further behind these climate targets.
While the introduction of Building Regulations Part O in 2022 marked progress, the researchers say it does not go far enough to counter the long-term temperature rise projected for the UK.
Claire Brown added: “Housing must be treated as critical infrastructure, just like schools and hospitals, if we are to meet carbon budgets while delivering more than 1.5 million new homes. Without significant systemic change, we risk locking in higher emissions, higher costs and poorer outcomes for the people who rely on social housing most.”
This research was published in the journal Energy Policy
Full title: Improving energy performance and futureproofing social housing: Professional views and policy directions in the UK