Net Zero in the house

The Bottom Line

What are the business opportunities in turning our old housing stock green? The UK has some of the least energy-efficient housing in Europe – most of it built before environmentally efficient design was regulated. It’s estimated around a quarter of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy we use for heating, lighting or running appliances in our homes, public buildings or workplaces – and energy used in our homes is the most significant source.

How soon can heat pumps, solar panels and better insulation around the house help the UK Government achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050? And will this ramping up of energy efficiency measures really lead to a green jobs revolution?

Guests:

Dr Sara Walker, Director of the Centre for Energy, Newcastle University Neil Hargreaves, Managing Director for Northern Europe at Knauf Insulation Phil Hurley, Managing Director of Nibe, one of Europe's leading manufacturers of renewable energy products and Barry Hughes, homeowner at Springfield Meadows - an estate of carbon zero houses.

Presenter: Evan Davis Producer: Lesley McAlpine