
Brits in marginal seats inclined to vote for energy efficiency, research shows
More than three quarters (77%) of voters across 10 marginal constituencies want the government to do more to help make homes more energy efficient. This is according to research carried out by JL Partners on behalf of Grundfos.
The research found those who voted Conservative in 2019 and plan to vote Labour in the coming election feel particularly strongly about this, with 81% of these ‘switchers’ saying the government is not doing enough.
Even among those who feel that the government is doing enough, a majority (55%) would like to see them do more. Energy efficiency is therefore set to influence voting behaviours in the general election, with six in 10 more inclined to vote for a party that supports it, rising to eight in ten among switchers to Labour.
Voters’ desire for government support is exacerbated by their doubts about how energy efficient their home is. Only one in five voters are ‘very confident’ that their home is as energy efficient as it can be.
Consumers questioned said they are prepared to invest an average of £500 yearly in improving their energy efficiency. Despite this, insulation is the energy upgrade that most respondents (49%) are inclined to invest in.
Only one-third of respondents (33%) considered cost-effective upgrades such as optimising heating systems among the top three measures they would consider. Replacing an outdated circulator pump or balancing a heating system represents the type of cost-effective energy solution that voters crave. Encouraging the uptake of new circulator pumps, for example, can lower bills by as much as £110 a year.
Similarly, businesses would benefit from incentives to switch to smarter energy infrastructure. According to the Energy Saving Trust, implementing energy efficiency in their commercial buildings measures could save SMEs up to 25% on bills.
Bent Jensen, Divisional CEO of Commercial Buildings Services at Grundfos, said: “Government should consider updating its online information on energy efficiency to give households accessible and accurate information on the savings potential of circulator pumps and hydraulic balancing. What’s more, incentivising businesses to transition to smarter energy solutions could reduce carbon emissions from commercial buildings while also saving these businesses money on bills.”
Grundfos has published a white paper based on the research, ‘Efficient Futures: An Exploration of Energy Efficiency Attitudes and Solutions in Bellwether Seats’, which can be found here.