5.3.1  Decarbonising homes is essential to delivering net zero, energy security and supply, and reducing energy bills

944.  Homes are at the heart of the net zero equation. The UK's ~30 million buildings are responsible for ~30% of our greenhouse gas emissions. Direct greenhouse gas emissions from buildings (largely combustion of fuels for heating) currently make up ~20% of UK territorial emissions.664 Progress has been made in reducing indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the home (e.g., appliances, lighting, catering etc.), as the power sector has decarbonised, but direct emissions from heating have not changed significantly since 2015, as per the figure below.665

Figure 5.7 - Direct greenhouse gas emissions from buildings

945.  Decarbonising homes through energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating will deliver many benefits to individuals, as set out in section 5.1. In particular, it will:

•  Bring down energy bills

•  Make homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer

•  Add value to homes

•  Boost the economy

946.  Crucially, given the current energy context, it will also safeguard energy security and supply. The Energy Price Guarantee, which is limiting the impact of increased energy prices on households, will be reviewed before April 2023.

947.  The Net Zero Strategy and the Heat and Buildings Strategy set out the government's ambitions to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions from the UK's 30 million homes and workplaces in a simple, low-cost and green way, while ensuring this remains affordable and fair for households across the country. The Interim Uplift,xxxv which came into force in June 2022, will result in a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from new homes.

948.  Key technologies will get us to homes that are net zero: energy efficiency measures (like insulation) will reduce overall energy demand, while low carbon heating solutions, like heat pumps, will cut our dependence on fossil fuels. These technologies work in tandem with one another. Solar panels will provide home-grown energy which will further help to reduce energy usage. Pillar 2 calls for a 'solar revolution' to ramp up the number of buildings with solar panels installed.

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xxxv  Planning applications need to comply with this new regulation for energy efficiency in homes