‘Lack of landlord willpower’ may derail energy targets

UK property experts are divided over whether the government will enhance energy infrastructure during its current five-year term, despite ambitious net zero goals. According to RSM’s ‘UK Real Estate 360’ survey:

• 41% of businesses believe the government will improve infrastructure, while 37% think it’s unachievable.
• Establishing GB Energy is seen as the most impactful measure for infrastructure delivery, followed by streamlining planning and the National Wealth Fund.

Challenges include:

• Lack of landlord willpower (35%) and high costs of tech solutions (38%) are major barriers to decarbonising real estate.
• Limited clarity in energy policies is causing confusion and hindering investment in energy infrastructure.

RSM UK’s Sheena McGuinness highlights the need for clearer policies to guide investment and notes that short-term solutions like smart micro-grids may gain traction due to grid connection delays. Achieving net zero will require significant private capital, time, and better-defined government strategies.