Millions of social homes in the UK are at growing risk from rising temperatures and high energy costs, with current housing and climate policies not keeping pace, research by the University of Manchester found.
The study, published in Energy Policy, was based on interviews with 23 housing and construction specialists.
It showed that while heating homes has been a long-term focus, not enough attention has been given to cooling, even as heatwaves become more common due to climate change.
The researchers warned that without urgent action, residents could face higher energy bills and health risks, and there would be more pressure on the NHS and emergency services during periods of extreme heat.
The report flagged gaps in policy and long-term funding, making it difficult for the sector to deliver energy-efficient and climate-resilient homes.
Short-term schemes like the Warm Homes Grant may not offer lasting solutions.
There are also issues with a skills gap and a lack of guidance on home design for cooling.
The report called for a national climate-resilience strategy for homes, better alignment of housing policy with climate commitments, long-term funding for retrofits, a focus on cooling and overheating prevention, stronger training programmes for construction, and fair outcomes for low-income households as energy systems change.
Claire Brown, a PhD researcher at The University of Manchester’s Tyndall Manchester, said: “The 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.
“Thermal comfort is a basic human need and our social homes must be safe, affordable and resilient.”
Brown added: “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.”
The UK has committed to building over 1.5 million new homes and reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The researchers said that without urgent action, the UK could fall behind on climate targets.
Building Regulations Part O, introduced in 2022, was noted as a step forward, but Brown said it does not go far enough to counter the long-term rise in temperatures.
Brown added: “Housing 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.”
