Northern Ireland Homes Need Urgent Upgrades for Net Zero Targets, Report Finds

A recent report by the Forum for Better Housing Market NI, in collaboration with Ulster University, highlights the urgent need for upgrades in Northern Ireland homes to meet the net zero targets by 2030. The study reveals that the average properties in Northern Ireland do not retain heat as effectively as those in the rest of the UK and Ireland. With the housing sector contributing to 14% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, immediate action is required to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency.

The report emphasizes that approximately 60% of homes in Northern Ireland require improvements in energy efficiency to aid the country in reaching its net zero goal. Furthermore, to achieve the target of a 56% reduction in energy-related carbon emissions from the housing sector, about 50,000 buildings per year must undergo enhancements. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing the energy efficiency gap and the need for comprehensive measures to transform the housing sector.

Recommendations for a Low-Carbon Housing Sector

To support the process of decarbonization in the housing sector, the report presents a series of recommendations based on research conducted at Ulster University. One key suggestion is the implementation of a unified policy focused on incentivizing developers, construction firms, and homeowners to create energy-efficient homes. Additionally, retrofitting existing homes with low-carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps, along with improved insulation, is recommended. The report also highlights the importance of offering “green” mortgage products to facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices in the housing market.

The report further compares Northern Ireland’s efforts to those of other UK nations. It mentions the Heat and Buildings Strategy implemented in England and Wales, which allocated £3.9 billion in funding for decarbonizing heat and buildings. Wales has committed to constructing 20,000 low-carbon homes by 2026, while Scotland has introduced regulations to ensure that new houses utilize renewable or low-carbon heating. The report suggests that Northern Ireland should learn from these examples and implement similar initiatives to accelerate progress toward its net-zero targets.