Research and analysis

Trigger points for installing low carbon heating and energy efficiency measures

Research exploring which trigger points can effectively prompt consumers to take up energy-efficiency and low carbon heating measures in their property.

• From: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
• Published: 24 September 2026

Documents

Trigger points for installing low carbon heating and energy efficiency measures

Ref: RAF063/2122

PDF, 337 KB, 48 pages

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Details

Trigger points are moments of opportunity where people are most open to change and can be motivated to act.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) commissioned Basis Social, London Economics, Cambridge University, and University College London to explore which trigger points are most likely to be effective in prompting consumers to think about, plan for and install energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating, and which might be less effective or lead to a negative outcome.

The research consisted of:

• a rapid evidence review
• interviews with stakeholders - these included owner occupiers and landlords

This report presents the key findings from the research and sets out five types of trigger points associated with low carbon heating or energy efficient measures. The categories are:

• emergencies (for example, a boiler breaking down, damage to property)
• life stages or events (for example, moving home, retirement)
• social influences (for example, professional advice)
• societal or environmental contexts (for example, cost of energy)
• quality of the living environment (for example, home renovations)

Published 24 September 2026