National Energy Action
The carbon footprint of the fuel poor – delivering socially just low-carbon solutions- Research project
NEA have recently undertaken a research project which aimed to further knowledge and understanding of the fuel cost and carbon savings to dwellings converted from expensive heating systems to low carbon technologies, such as air source heat pumps. The research will contribute to the existing evidence base of required fuel cost and carbon expenditure of fuel poor groups before and after interventions; demonstrate the carbon and fuel cost savings of an alternative technology intervention; assess the impact of ASHP installations on heating satisfaction, lifestyles and behaviour, and wider health and wellbeing; identify the carbon footprint of the fuel poor in relation to their fuel poverty status; and contribute to both policy and practice regarding the delivery of low carbon solutions to fuel poverty.
In addition to the collection and analysis of fuel cost and carbon savings data, households’ satisfaction with their heating, impacts on energy use behaviour and lifestyle choices and wider health and wellbeing before and after their intervention will be contrasted.
The research findings will enable NEA to make recommendations to Government on how fuel poverty alleviation measures can assist in achieving carbon reduction targets, in a manner that is socially just. The results will contribute further to the case for investment in alternative technologies to deliver social and carbon policy objectives and will improve the understanding of the relationship between the carbon footprint of those on low incomes and the nature of their fuel poverty. Finally, the project will expand NEA’s awareness and perception of the carbon and fuel cost requirements involved in the achievement of affordable warmth.
