Homes being more affordable to heat voted the most popular co-benefit of reducing climate change, survey finds

April 2024

Homes being more affordable to heat is the most popular co-benefit of reducing climate change: Eighty-seven per cent of the UK public believe homes being more affordable to heat is the most important co-benefit of climate change reduction, with improved energy security being the second-most important benefit (81%). These findings come from a report produced by Imperial College London about the UK public’s opinions on climate change co-benefits.

The Imperial College survey took place online and involved 1,021 people from the UK; the sample used was nationally representative and involved a mix of voters from the main political parties in the UK. The University of Bath, LSE and The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine also contributed to this published research.

Co-benefits are deemed to be extra positive outcomes that come with the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The survey asked the UK public how important nine different co-benefits were to the whole of the UK. The co-benefits included; homes that are more affordable to heat, improved energy security, improved air quality and health, job creation, improved diet and health, reduced inequality, connecting with nature and biodiversity, reduced risk of local flooding and extreme heat and stronger communities.

Homes that are more affordable to heat:

The research went into detail about more affordable heating in homes, after it was voted the most popular co-benefit of climate change reduction. The report highlighted what voters from each of the main political parties in the UK thought.

Only 72% of Reform UK voters believed cheaper heating in homes was “very important” or “important” - the lowest of the parties included. Meanwhile, 92% of Green Party voters believed it was “very important” or “important” - the highest percentage of each party. Conservative and Labour scores were in between at 83% and 88 respectively.

Additionally, Green Party voters were also the most aware that tackling climate change could lead to more affordable heating for homes, with 32% of respondents who vote green being “fully aware”.