The UK’s push towards net zero is supposed to be a win-win: cleaner air, lower energy bills, and a future-proofed economy. But there’s a problem - people aren’t on board.

A recent report from the Social Market Foundation found that nearly half of UK households feel like the net zero transition is being forced on them. Instead of feeling empowered to make greener choices, many people feel left in the dark, overwhelmed, or even resentful.

The government are risking a ‘greenlash’ to these policies. When energy prices are still rising, most of us aren’t seeing the benefit of cheaper, cleaner energy promised to us. 

So, what’s going wrong? And more importantly, how do we fix it?

1. People Feel Net Zero is Being Imposed on Them

Here’s the reality: many households feel like they’re being told what to do, rather than being given real choices. New energy rules and regulations are poorly communicated. 

Instead of feeling like an exciting transition, net zero feels like a top-down directive, with little consideration for everyday concerns like cost, convenience, and practicality.

How Can We Fix It: Give People Control and Clear Options 

Start by understanding your options. For example, the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives you £7,500 towards the cost of installing a heat pump - but many don’t even know it exists! Replacing your gas boiler with a heat pump can reduce emissions by 44% - that's a great step towards reducing your household's carbon footprint and cutting your energy bills!

2. Green Tech Feels Confusing 

The report also found that many households aren’t making changes because they simply don’t understand the green tech options available to them. And when they do hear about them, they assume they’re too expensive.

This confusion leads to inaction. If people don’t understand how technology works or how much it will cost them in the long run, they’re less likely to adopt it. Worse, misinformation spreads, making people even more sceptical.

How Do We Fix It: Make Information Simple and Transparent

There seems like an overwhelming amount of information and conflicting opinions about green tech. The government should work to communicate the facts to the public in an informative and unpatronising way. 

What You Can Do: Learn the facts! A typical solar panel system can reduce electricity bills by around £1,000 each year, and the payback period is as short as 7 years! Plus, with a home battery, a smart tariff like Octopus Flux and an AI home battery manager like Loop Optimise, you could save an additional £360 each year.

3. The Upfront Costs are too High

The lump sums of investing in green tech can seem like a huge barrier to installation, and fair enough! 

However, you must weigh up the future savings. With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, green tech is an option to future-proof your home. Installing green tech like solar panels can also increase the value of your house as the possibility of low energy bills is attractive to potential buyers. 

How Do We Fix It: Communicate Financial Incentives More Effectively

The government have a myriad of schemes available to help households cut their emissions and install green tech. However, these are not effectively communicated to the public. The government needs more carrot, less stick with its approach to net zero. 

What You Can Do: Find out about the potential savings you can make with green investments through trustworthy sources. Look out for tools that use your own data, and you'll be able to make an informed decision about what would work best for you.

Want to test the impact of solar panels on your home before investing? Try Loop's FREE in-app solar features. 

People Need Support, Not Just Targets

The push for net zero will only succeed if households feel included, informed, and supported - and that's where Loop comes in. Right now, too many people feel like they’re being dictated to rather than given practical, affordable choices.

The solution? Clear information, real financial help, and a sense of control over the transition. Instead of simply being told to go green, households need to see for themselves how beneficial it can be. With the right support, the UK can achieve net zero in a way that works for everyone - not just policymakers.

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