Energy efficiency in the private rented sector

Project Summary

The private rented sector has the largest proportion of energy inefficient homes. The minimum EPC regulations introduced in England, Wales and Scotland will likely pose significant enforcement challenges for local authorities. This project explores the following key questions: What is the range of issues that the private rented sector faces in meeting Energy Efficiency standards? What can the literature tell us about effective energy efficiency strategies for the private rented sector? Are there examples of good practice, either nationally or locally within the UK, in driving change towards greater Energy Efficiency?

Methods include desk-based review to map the existing legislation and identify examples of effective policy approaches from beyond the UK, a rapid review of existing academic and sector-based research which addresses energy efficiency in residential housing and key informant interviews to sense check messages emerging from the literature.

Timeline: From February 2021

Team: Dr Jennifer Harris (Lead Researcher), Professor Ken Gibb (CaCHE Director) and Dr Gareth James (Knowledge Exchange)

Theme: Governance