Inefficient energy usage in social housing: a new study reveals a 14% energy wastage potential
Social housing properties in England are undergoing significant changes to ensure they meet the necessary standards for energy efficiency and ventilation. Thorough checks are being conducted to determine the improvements required for each property, with a focus on improving ventilation systems due to their impact on the well-being of occupants and the buildings themselves.
The importance of proper ventilation in social homes cannot be overstated. Inadequate ventilation can lead to a build-up of moisture, fostering mould growth and creating an environment conducive to health and respiratory issues. A recent survey by ventilation solutions provider Airflow revealed that social housing residents are more than 11 times more likely to experience ventilation issues than plumbing problems, and almost five times as likely to experience ventilation issues as heating problems.
The survey also found that social homes, on average, have an energy efficiency rating of band D, while new builds typically have band A or B ratings. This gap in energy efficiency is due, in part, to the current ventilation and insulation measures in social homes, which are preventing them from reaching certain energy efficiency goals.
To address these issues, landlords can upgrade ventilation fans, install mechanical ventilation systems, and seal gaps that allow drafts. These improvements are crucial in meeting the government's goal of raising the minimum energy efficiency standard of social housing properties to EPC C by 2030.
In contrast, other rented properties in the private sector do not yet have a legal EPC C minimum. The government's original plan to require EPC C by 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for all rentals was scrapped in 2023, and as of 2025, the legal minimum remains EPC E. However, there is ongoing consultation about a potential EPC C target by 2030 to meet Net Zero goals.
Social housing standards for energy efficiency are more stringent and set to tighten faster than those for other rented homes. The reformed Decent Homes Standard explicitly addresses issues like damp and mould, which are significant concerns for social housing residents. Poor ventilation contributes to these problems, leading to unhealthy indoor environments.
The government’s Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is being revised to simplify hazard assessment, which will further support tackling ventilation-related problems such as excess moisture and mould in social housing. These ventilation shortcomings are a key concern in social housing that significantly impact resident health and building fabric integrity.
In summary, social housing properties in England are undergoing changes to improve energy efficiency and address ventilation issues. The focus is on enhancing tenant health and comfort while meeting government targets for energy efficiency. The private rental sector, however, lags behind in terms of legal requirements for energy efficiency, with cost concerns among landlords being a significant barrier to upgrades.
[1] Link to the Decent Homes Standard reforms [2] Link to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System updates [3] Link to the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund [4] Link to the private rental sector EPC C target consultation [5] Link to the private rental sector cost concerns
- Given the prevalence of ventilation issues in social homes, which are more than 11 times more likely to experience ventilation problems compared to plumbing issues, and almost five times as likely to experience ventilation issues as heating problems, it is essential to prioritize these areas of improvement to promote health-and-wellness for residents.
- As the government aims to raise the minimum energy efficiency standard of social housing properties to EPC C by 2030, environmental-science will play a crucial role in determining the most effective and energy-efficient ventilation solutions, contributing to the overall goal of achieving Net Zero emissions.
