Improving energy performance and futureproofing social housing: Professional views and policy directions in the UK

Heating and cooling demand is a critical issue within social housing globally. This paper explores the perspectives of housing and construction professionals, focusing on the interplay between energy and society. Stakeholders from the energy and housing sectors have provided diverse viewpoints, highlighting the need to consider support for changes. In addition to identifying changes needed in the current energy policy. The study utilises qualitative interviews to gather information on our research questions. It reveals a consensus among academics and industry professionals that fuel poverty exacerbates the uncertainty of maintaining affordable cooling in the face of climate change and increased temperatures. Affordability emerges as a significant current barrier to advancing heating and cooling measures in the home. Key insights from professionals underscore themes such as climate policy direction and funding challenges. The paper emphasises the importance of a multifaceted approach to address heating and cooling demand in UK social housing, incorporating technological advancements, policy frameworks, and socio-economic factors influenced by climate change. Effective and inclusive strategies will require collaboration between global and UK government agencies, housing providers, and the community. Social Housing new build homes will need to be a part of addressing the changing climate impact to allow for climate resilience. The results gleaned from this research have provided some awareness of what is needed, as well as the challenges within the sector that hinder progress. This study highlights the urgent need for social housing policy actions to address the evolving requirements of the housing and climate crisis. • This paper adds to the debate about why energy demand has lacked progress around the decarbonisation path. Using a case study of UK-based construction professionals, we examine key challenges in current and future housing and energy policy. • Analysis from interviews indicates that heat, heating, and heat pumps are mentioned in the responses more than cooling. Indicating that heating is still the dominant policy theme when it comes to climate change and housing. • Construction and housing professionals recognise that movement in UK Housing policy is needed to address thermal comfort in homes. Supporting the need for a transition to stronger climate policies.