Why Net Zero Starts at Home: The Importance of Energy Efficiency in UK Housing

The UK has committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but this target will remain out of reach unless we transform one of our biggest emitters: our homes. Residential buildings are responsible for nearly 20% of the country’s total emissions, primarily through heating and energy use. That makes the case for domestic energy efficiency not just urgent but unavoidable.

Homes across the UK are notoriously leaky, poorly insulated, and dependent on gas heating. Beyond its environmental impact, this inefficiency creates significant social and economic strain; households are facing skyrocketing energy bills, and many are stuck in a cycle of poverty as a result. Improving home energy performance addresses all these issues in one go as it reduces carbon output, cuts energy costs, and creates better living spaces.

Retrofitting is one of the most powerful tools we have to do this. Measures like wall, floor, and roof insulation, smart ventilation, and heat pump technology can significantly improve a building's performance. But retrofit must be done strategically, not superficially. A poorly designed or rushed upgrade can lead to unintended side effects, such as damp and mould, and often doesn’t deliver the carbon savings promised on paper.

At AVARA, we’re proud to partner with housing associations, local authorities, and property owners to implement thoughtful, whole-house solutions. Every building is different, and we take the time to understand what’s needed to meet targets, and make a genuine, lasting impact.

Net zero isn’t a box to tick - it’s a transformation of how we live and build which starts at home. From long-term planning to airtight delivery, retrofit is the roadmap. Let’s make sure we’re on the right route because doing it properly today means we don’t have to redo it tomorrow.