- New polling shows that half the population in Scotland believe the transition to net zero will have positive economic impacts
- 71% of people in Scotland support renewable and sustainable energy for home energy use
- 65% of people in Scotland are concerned the UK is not investing quickly enough in sustainable energy
- Changeworks’ bold new strategy aims to decarbonise 180,000 homes by 2030 and calls for cross-sector collaboration to deliver
Half of people in Scotland believe the transition to net zero will have positive economic impacts in the medium and long term, but 65% are concerned that the UK is not investing quickly enough in alternative, more sustainable energy, according to new polling* released by leading social enterprise Changeworks.
The poll also shows that the vast majority (83%) are very concerned about the steep rise in energy prices continuing and 71% support renewable and sustainable energy for home energy use.
The data comes as Changeworks launches its bold new strategic 2025-30 plan, calling on public and private sector partners to collaborate and accelerate the decarbonisation of Scotland’s homes to tackle the climate emergency.
Home energy use accounts for 13% of Scotland’s carbon emissions, with the UK having some of the least energy-efficient housing in Europe. Retrofitting homes by improving energy efficiency and switching to sustainable technologies is therefore key to meet net zero targets.
Against this backdrop, Changeworks is urging collective action from organisations across public and private sectors to drive more green investment opportunities to boost the economy and deliver energy-efficient, affordably warm low-carbon homes at scale, lowering harmful emissions and energy bills.
Changeworks is dedicated to decarbonising homes and driving a just transition to net zero and will expand its impact with the launch of its new strategic plan.
The organisation’s ambition is to help 180,000 households install and manage energy efficiency and low-carbon heating measures by 2030, which, from fabric improvements alone, could save 3 tonnes of CO2 per home per year.
With a strong track record of delivering retrofit projects in the public sector, as well as providing energy advice services and innovative services like EcoCosi, Scotland’s first end-to-end retrofit offer for homeowners, Changeworks is now scaling up its reach.
The organisation is actively seeking new partnerships with businesses, local authorities, housing associations and the technology sector to scale delivery and drive impact.
Josiah Lockhart, Changeworks’ Chief Executive, said:
“We cannot achieve this mission alone. Decarbonising homes is one of Scotland’s biggest climate challenges, but it’s also a major economic opportunity.
“Our polling shows the Scottish public recognises this. With the right partnerships and investment, we can drive innovation, tackle fuel poverty, and help create a thriving green economy.
“The scale of the challenge requires a concerted, collaborative effort across sectors, and we are open to working with partners to bring innovative decarbonisation solutions to life.”
*Changeworks commissioned a nationally representative poll of 1,007 adults in Scotland, undertaken by 56 Degree Insight, from 28th March – 1st April 2025.