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New polling from the Building Research Establishment (BRE) has found that the majority of the public (62%) would not feel at all confident explaining how heat pump technology works.
In addition, less than half (42%) of consumers have heard of the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme which is specifically designed to incentivise the uptake of heat pumps.
The poll accompanied BRE’s publication of a report – Decarbonising Heat in Britain’s Buildings – calling on the government to go further in its support to transition households to clean heat.
BRE’s research also reveals that there remain significant barriers to the take-up of heat pumps – a lack of public awareness, slow momentum on energy efficiency changes, and limited investment in the market are the key factors outlined in the report.
BRE wants the government to include information on heat pumps specifically in its energy saving awareness campaign. It is also continuing to call on the government to build on the progress already made in this area and implement a national retrofit strategy including the acceleration of the roll-out of insulation.
Gillian Charlesworth CEO of BRE, said:
Improving consumer awareness of heat pumps will help to boost demand over the long-term and, ultimately, bring the UK closer to its net zero target.
Whilst this awareness programme continues, we would also like to see government implement a national retrofit strategy that will improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock by further accelerating the roll-out of measures such as insulation.
Our latest polling shows that there is a clear knowledge gap around the benefits of heat pumps which needs to be addressed if we are to deliver meaningful, lasting change and decarbonise the UK’s inefficient buildings. Neither the Government nor the public can afford to waste this opportunity – and keeping up current momentum in this area will be vital.
