A third (33%) of homeowners say that contributing to the UK’s net zero targets is important and the reason they would make improvements to their home, according to research by Mortgage Advice Bureau.

However, a fifth (20%) of respondents said they wouldn’t know which changes would make their home more energy efficient.

Since the initial 2050 net zero deadline was announced in 2019, the government has introduced several additional measures as part of the pathway to reaching this goal.

Despite this, two thirds (66%) of those surveyed didn’t know anything about the Heat and Buildings Strategy – the drive from the government for landlords to raise their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to band C or higher by 2023.

Mortgage Advice Bureau suggested that greater awareness of the steps that homeowners can make to improve their EPC rating is needed for the UK to reach the net zero targets the government has in place.

Deputy CEO of Mortgage Advice Bureau, Ben Thompson, said: “The UK’s homes are some of the oldest and least efficient in Europe, and there are a variety of ways that people can improve their overall energy efficiency.

“More costly examples include retrofitting insulation and upgrading windows and doors, but there are cheaper ways, such as through the use of fabric draft excluders, thicker curtains or water heater jackets, for those who have one.

“It’s clear that the UK is wanting to become more environmentally friendly, and there are benefits to those that do go green, with possible outcomes including reduced energy bills and a higher property value.”

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