A recent poll* found that two thirds of MPs would be supportive of proposals requiring all new homes to include eco measures from 2025, including solar panels, heat pumps, battery storage and electric car (EV) charging points.
Based on a sample of 98 MPs, the YouGov poll was commissioned by net zero charity MCS Charitable Foundation. It found that on average 69% of MPs believe that new homes should be constructed with solar panels on their roofs, with 67% wanting them to include electric vehicle charging. The majority also supported mandatory heat pumps.
The results showed that Labour MPs were the biggest advocates of renewables, with less than 10% in opposition to the proposed measures. Conservative MPs were more likely to support than oppose renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures on new builds. 77% of Conservative MPs felt that new homes should achieve the highest possible energy efficiency standards, which only 6% opposed.
The YouGov poll was timed to canvas opinions in light of the Future Homes Standard which will require new homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than homes complying with current building regulations.
Net zero charity MCS Charitable Foundation believes that these renewable energy technologies should be the default in new builds, helping to meet carbon targets, keep bills more manageable and provide energy security.
Installation at build stage rather than through costly retro-fitting is key to meeting targets, with the side benefit of boosting the green economy.
This poll follows a YouGov survey in December 2022 of a representative sample of UK adults with the same questions that found that an overwhelming majority backed key renewables measures in new build homes.
David Cowdrey, Director of External Affairs at MCS Charitable Foundation, said “It is very encouraging to see that most MPs back domestic renewable energy for new homes. Installing solar panels, heat pumps and battery storage is essential to reducing our carbon emissions and cutting bills, and there is no better time to install these than at the point of construction.
“MPs must now ensure that the Future Homes Standard fulfils the ambitions required to meet net zero targets, by mandating renewable energy on all new homes.”
*YouGov completed online interviews with a representative sample of 98 MPs between 2nd and 28th February. Results are weighted by party, gender, electoral cohort, and geography to give a sample that is representative of the House of Commons.
