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Millions of UK social homes are at growing risk from rising temperatures and soaring energy costs and current housing and climate policies are failing to keep up, according to a new research by The University of Manchester.

The study, published in the journal , is based on interviews with 23 housing and construction specialists. It reveals widespread concern that while heating in homes has long been a priority, cooling in homes is largely overlooked, despite climate change driving more frequent heatwaves.

The researchers warn that without urgent action, residents could face increasing energy bills and worsening health risks, increasing pressure on NHS and emergency services during extreme heat.

The study highlights gaps in policy and long-term funding making it difficult for the sector to deliver energy-efficient, climate-resilient homes and short-term schemes, like the Warm Homes Grant, may not provide long-term solutions.

It also highlights a skills gap and a lack of guidance on climate-resilient home design, particularly for cooling solutions.

The report calls for urgent action to:

• Establish a national climate-resilience strategy for homes, aligning housing policy with UK climate commitments
• Provide long-term, stable funding for social housing retrofits
• Prioritise cooling, ventilation and overheating prevention alongside heating efficiency
• Strengthen training and skills programmes for low-carbon, climate-resilient construction
• Ensure equitable outcomes for low-income households as energy systems transition

Lead researcher , a PhD researcher at The University of Manchester's Tyndall 91直播, said: 鈥淭he UK is not moving fast enough to protect residents from the impacts of climate change. Our research makes clear that we urgently need a comprehensive climate-resilience framework - one that brings together strategy, regulation, construction practice and smart energy-demand management.

鈥淭hermal comfort is a basic human need and our social homes must be safe, affordable and resilient. Overheating is already a risk, particularly for vulnerable residents, yet cooling is barely discussed in policy or practice. From our interviews, we can see that the construction sector is ready to act, but it needs clear direction, long-term commitment and a fair policy framework from the government.鈥�

The UK is committed to building over 1.5 million new homes while achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The researchers stress that without urgent action, the UK will fall further behind these climate targets.

While the introduction of Building Regulations Part O in 2022 marked progress, the researchers say it does not go far enough to counter the long-term temperature rise projected for the UK.

Claire Brown added: 鈥淗ousing must be treated as critical infrastructure, just like schools and hospitals, if we are to meet carbon budgets while delivering more than 1.5 million new homes. Without significant systemic change, we risk locking in higher emissions, higher costs and poorer outcomes for the people who rely on social housing most.鈥�

This research was published in the journal Energy Policy

Full title: Improving energy performance and futureproofing social housing: Professional views and policy directions in the UK

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