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Energy efficient housing tracker - March 2026 update

Consumer attitudes towards greener homes

We commissioned the 'Greener Homes Attitude Tracker', based on 9,000 UK individuals, to understand how homebuyers, renters and owners feel about greener homes and the importance of environmental features.

Our key findings for greener homes

More people choosing greener homes

65% of UK homeowners surveyed in H2 plan to make environmental sustainability improvements to their property over the next decade, up slightly from 64% in H1 2025. About 23% intend to do so within the next 12 months, a joint-record high. 

Smart energy meters rising

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of owner-occupied homes now have smart energy meters, up from 52% in the second half of 2022. Other features like water meters, electric boilers, solar panels, and EV charging points have also seen steady growth. 

Popular everyday green habits

Minimising food waste (71%) and home energy use (60%) are the most common green lifestyle choices. Younger adults are more likely to drive electric cars, buy sustainable clothing, and use public transport regularly. 

EPC importance stays steady

A property’s EPC importance remains stable with 42% considering it ‘very important’, placing it on a par with access to public transport and local green space. 

Energy efficient home improvements

The number of homeowners making green home improvements has continued to grow in recent years. Smart energy meters stand out as the fastest‑rising feature, with our latest data showing they’re now installed in nearly two‑thirds of owner‑occupied homes.

We’re also seeing steady growth in the use of water meters. The proportion of owner‑occupied homes with one has risen over the past three years, reflecting a growing interest in understanding and managing household water use more effectively.

Our greener homes retrofit project

We teamed up with British Gas and Worcester Bosch to cover the cost of home retrofits for nine of our customers, with co-ordination help from Quidos. We followed our customers through every stage of their retrofit journey - from start to finish - and we're now sharing it all with you. 

Find out more about greener homes retrofit Open in new window

Green lifestyle choices

Minimising food waste and cutting home energy use remain the most widely practised choices, and younger adults are increasingly choosing greener options such as driving electric vehicles, buying sustainable clothing and using public transport more often.

Interest in green mortgages is also rising. Around one‑in‑five adults surveyed say they’re considering taking one out, showing growing appetite for financial products that support low‑carbon living.

We’re here to help with practical ideas to save energy at home, as well as information on grants, funding and our Green Mortgage range (eligibility and exclusions apply).

Ideas to reduce, reuse and recycle Open in new window

Homebuyer preferences

Energy efficiency is becoming a clearer priority for many homebuyers. Our latest data shows that a property’s EPC rating now sits alongside access to public transport and local green space as a key factor when people are choosing where to live. Buyers aged 25-34 place the greatest value on strong EPC performance.

When it comes to green home features, double‑glazed windows remain the most sought‑after, with growing interest in additions like smart energy meters, water meters and heat pumps. These trends highlight a steady shift towards homes that can help people manage energy use and feel more resilient over time.

The NatWest Home Energy Hub

We’ve launched a one-stop shop to help homeowners create a more energy-efficient home - the NatWest Home Energy Hub:

  • Get a free Home Energy Plan tool to help get started.
  • Find out about Energy Performance Certificate ratings (EPCs), get tips on managing energy use and how they could reduce costs.
  • Discover ways that could improve home energy efficiency online or with a visit from an energy expert at a discounted rate.
  • Find out how much any changes could cost and the benefits of energy-efficiency home improvements.
  • Connect with experts and trustworthy tradespeople who can do the work.
  • Explore various funding options including grants and or find out how NatWest could help.
Go to the Home Energy Hub Open in new window

Download the Greener Homes Attitude Tracker - March 2026

You can download a pdf version of the full report, save and share by using the link below.

Survey methodology

The NatWest Greener Homes Attitude Tracker survey was first conducted in May 2021 and is compiled by S&P Global. The survey is intended to accurately anticipate changing consumer behaviour. The questionnaire is designed to be quick and easy to complete, incorporating a small number of key questions, which encourages regular participation among even high-level respondents.

Ipsos MORI technical details (H2 2025 survey)

Ipsos interviewed 9,000 adults aged 18-64 across the United Kingdom from its online panel of respondents and partner panels. Interviews were conducted online on a monthly basis between July 2025 – December 2025 to an approximate monthly sample of 1,500 adults. Respondents were excluded from taking part again in the survey for a 3 month period. A representative sample of adults was interviewed with quota controls set on gender, age and region and the resultant survey data was weighted to the known UK profile of this audience by gender, age, region and household income. Ipsos was responsible for the fieldwork and data collection only and not responsible for the analysis, reporting or interpretation of the survey results.

For further information on the survey methodology, please contact economics@spglobal.com.

About S&P Global

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) S&P Global provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges and accelerate progress for the world.

We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today.

The NatWest Greener Homes Attitude Tracker survey was first conducted in May 2021 and is compiled by S&P Global. The survey is based on monthly responses from 1,500 individuals in the UK, with data collected by Ipsos MORI from its panel of respondents aged 18-64. The survey sample reflects the true composition of the population to ensure the accuracy of the survey results.