How could Wales heat and build low-carbon homes by 2035?

The Centre is a member of the UK’s What Works Network and part of the International Public Policy Observatory and connects policy makers and public service leaders in Wales with these additional sources of evidence and expertise. [...] Specifically, this piece contributes to the Group’s third challenge area: How could Wales heat and build homes and workplaces by 2035? This paper presents an overview of emissions trends from buildings in Wales, the building sector’s net zero pathway, and the policy competences of the Welsh and UK Governments. [...] Skills The transition to decarbonised homes and buildings in Wales will require a significant reskilling of the existing workforce alongside a large number of new entrants to the construction sector and associated trades including electricians, plumbers and heating engineers. [...] How could Wales heat and build low-carbon homes by 2035? 20 Decarbonising new buildings As operational emissions from the day-to-day use of heating and appliances in homes are reduced through electrification and the decarbonisation of the electricity supply, the emissions in constructing, maintaining, and demolishing buildings will become proportionately more important. [...] There are few incentives in the planning process to encourage the retention and conversion of existing buildings and there is often a lack of information on the old building itself, leading to extensive and time-consuming surveys (Penman, 2021).