Two thirds (67%) of Brits back 2030 emissions reduction target and over half want more local investment in clean energy

• New research from E.ON indicates overwhelming support for the UK’s 2030 emissions reduction target (67%) and commitment to cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 (65%)  

• Only 5% feel listened to when it comes to decision making around local green investments 

• More than half (51%) of UK adults think there should be greater investment in local clean energy projects  

• With the exception of Reform UK voters (29%), there is majority support for the UK’s 2050 net zero targets 

New research commissioned by E.ON has highlighted overwhelming public support for the UK’s 2030  (67%) and 2050 (65%) emissions and net zero goals, as well as a desire for more investment in local clean energy projects (65%).  

Over half (52%) of those surveyed said that to improve the sustainability credentials of their community they want local councils to make homes greener and cheaper to run. Additionally, when asked if they would like to see more investment in clean energy projects in their local area  51% said there should be more investment, compared to just 9% who think there should be less. However, just 5% felt listened to when it comes to decisions around local green investments.   

Despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical tensions, the data showed that lowering carbon emissions remains a priority for people living in the UK. Londoners (71%) and 18-24 year-olds (76%) came out as the most supportive of the 2030 targets. For the 2050 targets 71% and 76% showed support, respectively. Conservative (53%), Labour (83%), Liberal Democrat (80%), and Green (90%) voters were the most supportive of net zero targets, with Reform (29%) voters being least in favour.  

Electorate and age breakdown 

Local investment priorities 

When asked which local services are in need of immediate investment to have the biggest impact on their area's carbon footprint/improve energy efficiency, the top- ranking answers from respondents were: 

1. Public transport - 32% 
2. Hospitals - 30% 
3. Residential properties - 23% 
4. Schools/colleges/universities - 21% 
5. Public buildings - 18% 
6. Commercial premises - 18% 
7. Transport hubs - 11% 
8. Sports facilities - 5% 

Public support for green targets underscores the need for local and national government to engage with communities on practical, impactful, sustainable investments, which can help to lower bills, increase energy security and create jobs.  

E.ON is already working with councils and local communities to help make them greener and cleaner. Our 15-year strategic energy partnership with Coventry City Council is transforming the city’s approach to carbon reduction while helping people save money and boost the local economy. The partnership, which is creating a blueprint for other cities, includes working with technology startup, Kestrix, to trial the use of drones to obtain large-scale data on thermal efficiency, particularly heat losses.  

E.ON is also working with Coventry Building Society Arena to decarbonise the major venue, and launched a pilot to provide E.ON Next customers in the city with free batteries to store energy at cheaper times and lower their bills.  

Commenting on the findings, Vijay Tank, Chief Commercial Officer at E.ON Infrastructure Solutions UK, said: “Despite the continued cost-of-living crisis, and the backdrop of geopolitics, voters clearly continue to see the importance of lowering the UK’s carbon emissions. Through local investment in clean energy, we can lower bills and emissions, and improve energy security by reducing our reliance on expensive fossil fuels.  

“Councils are facing the challenge of trying to deliver both long-term infrastructure investment and support for those struggling with the cost of energy, but it doesn’t need to be a trade-off between lower bills and clean energy. They can co-exist to create a greener, more secure energy future with fairer pricing.” 

Other projects from E.ON Infrastructure Solutions include its work with the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham – one of the UK’s largest NHS facilities – to help it achieve net zero by 2030.  Ranging from a zero-carbon geothermal heating and cooling system to energy-saving windows and state-of-the-art building controls, E.ON is delivering a comprehensive, creative project with multiple solutions that will benefit the hospital and its patients, while improving local air quality by reducing harmful nitrogen oxide emissions. 

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2,239 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 16th - 17th June 2025.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).