Research from The University of Manchester reveals that millions of social homes in the UK are increasingly vulnerable to rising temperatures and escalating energy costs. The study, published in the journal Energy Policy, indicates that current housing and climate policies are failing to adapt effectively to these pressing issues.
Based on interviews with 23 housing and construction experts, the research highlights a significant oversight in prioritizing home cooling solutions. While heating has long been a focus, the growing frequency of heatwaves due to climate change has left cooling largely unaddressed. This gap in policy could lead to soaring energy bills and deteriorating health outcomes, placing additional strain on the NHS and emergency services during extreme heat events.
Urgent Need for Comprehensive Solutions
The researchers underscore the need for immediate action to address the deficiencies in current policies and funding. They point out that existing short-term initiatives, such as the Warm Homes Grant, may not suffice to create energy-efficient and climate-resilient homes. There is also a notable skills gap in the construction sector, with insufficient guidance on designing homes that can withstand rising temperatures.
“Thermal comfort is a basic human need and our social homes must be safe, affordable and resilient,” said Claire Brown, a PhD researcher at The University of Manchester’s Tyndall Manchester. “Overheating is already a risk, particularly for vulnerable residents, yet cooling is barely discussed in policy or practice.”
Brown emphasized the readiness of the construction industry to take action, provided it receives clear direction and long-term commitments from the government. She called for a comprehensive climate-resilience framework that integrates strategy, regulation, construction practices, and smart energy-demand management.
Building for the Future
The UK government aims to build over 1.5 million new homes while achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, the researchers warn that without proactive measures, the UK risks falling short of its climate targets. While the introduction of Building Regulations Part O in 2022 marked a step forward, it is deemed insufficient to address the long-term temperature increases anticipated in the coming years.
Brown further stated, “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 those who rely on social housing most.”
This research emphasizes the need for a strategic overhaul in how social housing is approached in the UK, urging policymakers to prioritize climate resilience to protect residents and ensure sustainable living conditions.
The full study is available in the journal Energy Policy under the title: Improving energy performance and futureproofing social housing: Professional views and policy directions in the UK. For further details, visit ScienceDirect.
