Leading expert invites partnerships and collaboration as new poll highlights key issues.
By David Langstane
New polling in Scotland, commissioned by Changeworks, a leading social enterprise organisation committed to the goal of decarbonising Scottish homes, has highlighted key issues on the march to Net Zero. It shows that half the people surveyed believe the transition to Net Zero will have a positive economic impact in the medium and long term.
However, 65% are concerned that the UK is not investing quickly enough in alternative, more sustainable energy. Understandably, the poll also reveals that 83% are very concerned about the steep rise in energy prices continuing, and 71% support renewable and sustainable energy for home use.
This data illustrates that the path to decarbonisation is challenging. But, Changeworks has a clear vision and strategic plan for achieving its aims. To get there, Chief Executive, Josiah Lockhart, is calling for support in the form of greater collaboration and innovation from the public and private sector. “We can’t afford to wait.” he said. “By working together, we can tackle fuel poverty, create jobs, and drive Scotland’s decarbonisation efforts forward. Whether you are a business, investor, or public sector organisation, there is an opportunity to get involved and make a meaningful difference. The time to act is now.”
Changeworks is seeking partners and collaborators to help scale these initiatives and drive greater impact. The organisation is open to working with businesses across the private and public sectors to create lasting, sustainable solutions to decarbonise Scotland’s housing stock and ensure no one is left behind in the journey to Net Zero.
The challenge of delivering Net Zero, is a challenge Changeworks knows well: for almost four decades it has worked alongside the Scottish Government, local authorities and housing associations to drive Scotland’s decarbonisation efforts forward.
Scotland’s Homes amongst least energy efficient in Europe
Scotland has some of the least energy-efficient homes in Europe, responsible for some 13% of carbon emissions. As the climate emergency continues to worsen and energy costs soar, Lockhart points out that the task of decarbonising Scotland’s homes is urgent because poor energy efficiency and reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets for heating, worsen fuel poverty.
Changeworks’ strategic plan for 2025-2030 sets an ambitious goal: to support 180,000 households with energy efficiency and low-carbon heating measures by 2030, potentially saving a massive 3 tonnes of CO2 per home each year and significantly contributing to Scotland’s emissions reduction targets.
Speaking to Scottish Business News, Josiah Lockhart said, “We can’t achieve our 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.”
Decarbonisation can Drive Growth
The economic benefits of home decarbonisation are compelling, and in pursuing it, business opportunities will be created. This latter point is supported by the polling which indicates that 72% of Scots want legislation that invests in the green sector to create more jobs.
The poll also highlighted public concerns that the supply chain isn’t being upskilled in sustainable technologies with 59% of respondents expressing this concern. This is matter that Changeworks are already working on: in 2023, Changeworks launched EcoCosi, an end-to-end home retrofit service to enable the self-funded owner-occupier-market to decarbonise. This initiative carried with it a commitment to developing the supply chain in Scotland. To this end, Changeworks has developed a network of trusted contractors and installers. “It’s this kind of commitment that Scotland needs to meet net zero,” said Josiah.
EcoCosi delivers comprehensive energy-efficient retrofits to homeowners, helping reduce energy bills and lower carbon footprints. It’s a key service for householders and in a growing market it’s an opportunity for businesses who can provide the necessary expertise and technology.
Collaborating for a just transition
Supporting the self-funded market to decarbonise is important for economic growth and upskilling, but supporting vulnerable householders and communities is also vital for a just transition. In partnership with the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), Changeworks launched the Tenant Energy Support service, providing expert advice and support for social housing tenants. Another example is the Warm Home Prescription project with Energy Systems Catapult, which helped vulnerable individuals in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. The aim was to help people with health conditions made worse by cold who were struggling to stay warm and well at home, and stay out of hospitals, through ‘prescribing’ warmth. By installing energy efficient measures and offering invaluable energy advice, the project helps improve wellbeing.
Work with Changeworks
To explore how your organisation can partner with Changeworks to decarbonise Scotland’s homes, contact workwithus@changeworks.org.uk to discuss collaboration opportunities.
*Changeworks commissioned a nationally representative poll of 1,007 adults in Scotland undertaken by 56 Degree Insight from 28th March – 1st April 2025.
