On average, the UK public is only aware of 1.7 low-carbon technology schemes, according to the survey of 2,184 UK adults. This is despite nearly half (48%) identifying cost as the biggest barrier to adopting renewable energy.
Lowest public awareness for key schemes
Several UK energy efficiency schemes suffer from particularly low awareness:
Smart Export Guarantee – 3%
Home Improvement Loans (Wales) – 5%
Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan – 5%
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) – 6%
Home Upgrade Grant – 7%
By contrast, nearly half the population (47%) is familiar with the Winter Fuel Payment—a non-renewable grant—but its scheduled changes may leave many consumers vulnerable unless clear alternative options are communicated.
Generational differences and financial incentives
The survey found that 91% of Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X would adopt low-carbon technologies if financial support were available. This figure drops slightly for Boomers, who are 8 percentage points less likely to be influenced by financial incentives. Overall, the likelihood of adopting low-carbon technologies with financial backing has risen by 3% year-on-year, now at 89%.
Simplifying schemes for better adoption
Roland Ellison, editor of The Eco Experts, emphasised the importance of clearer communication:
“With so many different government funding schemes available in different parts of the UK, applying can be a complicated area for consumers to navigate.
“More needs to be done by the government and scheme administrators to make low-carbon technology funding easier for consumers to understand and apply for.
“One of the low-carbon tech schemes with a high level of recognition was the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This is perhaps the simplest, as it provides upfront grants (of up to £7500) to support the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers for homes and non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. The BUS application is applied for by installers, making it easier for consumers to benefit from.
“If the government wants people to take advantage of these funding schemes, they should ensure that they are simple to access and to adopt.”
Tom Armstrong, managing director of Project Solar UK, added: “There remains a clear gap between awareness and widespread adoption of low carbon technologies. The challenge for government, industry leaders, and businesses alike is to bridge this gap—by effectively communicating the benefits, and simplifying the process for consumers to transition to cleaner energy.”
The path forward
With demand for financial support to adopt green technologies growing, the government faces pressure to simplify schemes and improve communication. Addressing these barriers is essential to increasing the uptake of low-carbon technologies and driving the UK’s progress towards net-zero goals.
Images: Eco Experts