Existing housing
It has been estimated that about 24 million homes in the UK, which exist now or are built before 2016, will still exist in 2050. Reducing carbon emissions from existing housing is therefore key to achieving carbon dioxide emission reduction targets.
Go to our Scotland site for Scotland-specific resources.
Go to our England site for resources specific to England, including our Economic impact tool.
There is a legislative timetable in place for new dwellings to become zero carbon by 2016, however, approximately three quarters of the homes that will exist in 2050 have already been built. Therefore, by 2050, emissions from existing buildings need to be reduced substantially if we are to reduce the UK’s overall emissions by 80%.
Local authorities are centrally placed to lead a coordinated approach to reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the existing housing stock.
Publications
Sustainable refurbishment: towards an 80% reduction in carbon emissions, water efficiency, waste reduction and climate change adaptation
This guide, developed by our Housing programme, outlines an integrated package of measures that will enable builders, developers and householders to hit the UK Government's demanding target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80%.
Reducing emissions from social housing
If you're a housing professional, this free online guide could help you save energy, time and money.
Homes Energy Efficiency Database
HEED is a national database that tracks the sustainable energy characteristics of the UK housing stock. It contains information on over 10,000 homes (42% of the UK housing stock). It is also the central register for Energy Performance Certificates in Scotland.
Housing stock analysis and scheme support
We can work with local authorities across energy efficiency and renewable energy schemes from the point of initiating the idea for a scheme through to assistance with delivery, including gaining support from the council, planning the scheme and procurement.
Housing stock refurbishment tool
The Energy Saving Trust have developed a housing stock refurbishment calculator, which enables local authorities to input an energy efficiency profile of the housing stock in their area and to analyse options for carbon reduction.
Area-based approaches
The Energy Saving Trust has produced a best practice guide following research of the different schemes in existence for area-based approaches.
