How will the climate and nature crises impact housing?

Residential buildings account for a fifth (20%) of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, and the majority of UK homes (85%) are reliant on the gas network. Decarbonising housing is going to be critical to achieve the UK’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. As temperatures rise, UK housing will also need to adapt to withstand extreme weather conditions, and ensure that the most vulnerable in society are not disproportionately affected.

This paper outlines the links between the environmental crises and housing in the UK. The findings also touch on the inequitable impact that the environmental crises have on different social groups, particularly people in low-income households, people from ethnic minority communities, older people, and Disabled people.

The impacts of the environmental crises on housing and households include:

• Heat, storms, floods, and coast erosion damaging the structural integrity and liveability of housing.
• Greater vulnerability of those without access to housing, particularly the health risks of being homeless in a changing climate.

At this point in time, we believe there is:

• Insufficient policy and progress on decarbonising new housing, retrofitting housing, providing access to clean air, and green space in housing areas.
• Significant potential to improve quality of life, and to reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions by installing clean energy and insulation in housing.

This publication, written as a part of consultancy work completed in early 2024, has been possible thanks to the generous support of the Monday Charitable Trust.

Photo by Chris Gallagher on Unsplash