The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) welcomes the announcement that the government will announce plans next week to fund loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and smart heating controls. 

Business Secretary Grant Shapps said the government had allocated £1 billion for the Eco Plus scheme, which will launch in April 2023, for the next three years. The government believes that the project will cover efficiency measures for over 70,000 homes and save hundreds of pounds on heating bills annually for consumers.

Sam Rees, Senior Public Affairs Officer at RICS, said: 

"RICS has called for a more targeted approach towards energy efficiency funding for several years. This announcement is timely, and we welcome the government's support for residential retrofitting. Our research found that due to the cost-of-living crisis, consumers are more cautious about spending money on retrofitting and other measures to improve energy efficiency and save money in the long term. Funding in this space should help ease these financial concerns and get this crucial aspect of the net zero agenda back on track. 

"We remind consumers that it is essential that they consult a suitable surveyor before retrofitting their home to ensure that there are no unintended consequences from work undertaken. We hope the government's promotion of this scheme clarifies this. 

"Due to current geopolitical events, energy security is also at the forefront of concerns, and greater energy efficiency helps secure the UK's energy infrastructure. We look forward to engaging with the specifics of the scheme once fully revealed next week."

-ENDS-

 

Notes for editors:

The RICS paper, Retrofitting to decarbonise UK existing house stock may be found at this link.

The RICS consumer guide on home carbon reduction may be found at this link.


 

About RICS

We are RICS. Everything we do is designed to effect positive change in the built and natural environments. Through our respected global standards, leading professional progression and our trusted data and insight, we promote and enforce the highest professional standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.

Our work with others provides a foundation for confident markets, pioneers better places to live and work and is a force for positive social impact.

For more information:

Kris Hicks

khicks@rics.org

You may also be interested in

RICS responds to NTS decision to withdraw guidance for estates and lettings professionals

This guidance was developed to provide clarity for professionals, helping them meet their legal obligations under Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Influence and Advocacy Monthly Update – April 2025

Over the past month, RICS has been actively engaging with UK Government departments, devolved administrations, and parliamentary committees to shape vital areas of policy concerning the built and natural environment.

UK house prices broadly flat amidst global and domestic uncertainty

UK house prices broadly flat whilst gap between lettings supply and demand continues to grow amongst global and domestic uncertainty.

RICS launches residential retrofit and improving energy in your home guide

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched its guide for retrofitting homes. The free guide provides in-depth information on all aspects of making homes more energy efficient, known as retrofitting.

AI and Automation in Residential Property Valuation

In this video discussion, Aaliyah Pollock moderates a panel exploring the evolution of property valuation and technology.

National house prices continue to rise overall but uncertainties sap momentum

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK Residential Property Survey found that several factors of uncertainty reduced momentum in the UK’s housing market in February.

Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Hub

This page summarises leasehold reform matters for consumers, RICS professionals and their clients.

RICS Responds to Government’s Plans for New Towns

RICS welcomes the Government’s update in February 2025 to develop a generation of new towns, a critical initiative to address the UK’s long-term housing needs.

RICS submission to the 2025 Spending Review

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has submitted its response to His Majesty’s Treasury 2025 Spending Review, calling on the UK Government to take decisive action to enhance the built environment, streamline property transactions, and support the transition to net zero.

Expanding MEES in private rents: RICS responds to government announcement

RICS welcomes the opportunity to shape proposals aimed at improving the energy performance of privately rented homes in England and Wales and the plans to expand Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.

Digital solutions for residential buying and selling

In this video, Aaliyah Pollock moderates a discussion with Konrad Rotthege from Conveyo, Arjuna Gunesekera from Taurgo, Florian Gruenwald from GeoSci, and Robin Rathore from Bamboo Auctions.

UK residential market ends 2024 on a firm footing

The RICS UK Residential Property Survey for December 2024, reports growing activity in the housing market with 2024 capped off in a generally upwards trend.