New net zero index shows lack of confidence in climate targets

More than half of the UK (54%) is not confident the government will hit its net zero target by 2050, with one in five believing the UK will never achieve the milestone, new research has found.

The findings have been published as part of a new Net Zero Homes Index by British Gas which, going forward, will track how UK families feel about the journey to net zero, their role in it and readiness to make changes to their home and lifestyle.

More than 4,000 adults were surveyed online by Public First on behalf of the Centrica-owned retailer, with all results weighted.

It found that while climate change was considered an important issue facing the country, ahead of topics such as immigration, taxation, housing or Brexit, it was fears over the cost of living crisis that was the number one priority for the public.

Overall, climate change was ranked as the fourth most important issue facing the country, after the cost of living, the economy and the NHS.

While 19% did not believe the UK would hit net zero at all, on average people believed it was achievable but closer to 2075 rather than 2050.

The survey further examined people’s attitudes towards making changes in their homes and more than three quarters (78%) said they were willing to make such changes to help tackle climate change.

Almost half of homeowners (48%) said they were willing to install improved insulation in the next two years and 42% said they would consider installing solar panels.

Furthermore, 35% of consumers said they were willing to install a home electric vehicle charger.

Yet there was uncertainty about forms of low-carbon heating, with the majority (38%) saying they did not know what they would choose when asked what they would replace their existing boiler with.

In total 37% opted for a similar gas or oil-fired boiler and only 14% said they would choose a heat pump.

There was widespread support however for building more renewable power sources – 87% said they supported building more solar power, 84% more offshore wind and 81% supported building more onshore wind. Just under half (48%) meanwhile supported new nuclear.

The findings follow the recent launch of British Gas’ Net Zero business unit which aims to support the acceleration of the energy transition.

Andrew Middleton, managing director of Net Zero Ventures, said: “We hope that this index will help to measure changing attitudes over time and understand how people are feeling about choices in the lead up to the net zero target, particularly in light of these difficult economic times.

“It highlights where there are some uncertainties – such as heat pumps and how to decarbonise heating – where we can focus the support we give to customers.”

Power Move

Elsewhere in the sector, Ovo Energy has published its own consumer research which shows an overwhelming majority of households (83%) would be willing to reduce their energy consumption between 4pm and 7pm for potential cash back.

This figure increases to 90% for those with an income under £20,000.

Customer data collected by the retailer shows that the average household uses 19% of their daily energy during these hours. During times of peak demand, it added, there’s often not enough renewable energy to go round meaning more carbon-heavy power sources are used.

The supplier is launching a trial called Power Move which will reward customers with up to £100 for shifting their consumption away from peak times to when the grid is, on average, cleaner and less congested.

An initial 7,000 customers are participating in the trial, which will last until March next year. Ovo claimed that if all its customers participated in the scheme, it could save £450 million every winter.

Ovo chief executive Raman Bhatia said: “We’re heading into a critical moment for the UK energy sector, and we need a resilient grid to support households through this winter.

“It’s testament to our customers’ willingness to support new trials and engage with their usage that we’ve surpassed the target of trialists.

“We hope the results of this trial will give customers a deeper insight into how they can support the wider system, with potential savings to help over winter.”