In its second annual update of its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Index, Deepki revealed the latest findings pertaining to various sector’s real estate. It found that the climate in the UK, mixed with gas-based energy usage, results in higher carbon emissions overall. 

It found that of all that were analysed, the healthcare sector had the highest energy consumption and joint-highest CO2 emissions across Europe, while the hotel sector had the largest increase in energy consumption year-on-year.

“Progress is being made but it needs to accelerate if we are to halt the devastating impact of climate change and protect asset value,” said Vincent Bryant, CEO and co-founder of Deepki.

The UK was consistent with this trend, where the hotel industry actually showed the largest increase in energy consumption compared to any other country. However, unlike the other countries, the UK’s retail sector saw a drop in consumption by 13%, and the housing sector fell by 10%. 

This comes on the backdrop of an active effort in the UK to make homes more energy efficient. According to a report by the Scottish Government, 47% of the homes in Edinburgh in 2021 received a C or below on their energy performance certificates rating system. 

A Kingfisher report late last year described the UK’s housing stock as “among the least energy efficient in Europe, with UK homes losing heat up to three times faster.”

“With a nearly £448 bill gap between the most and least energy efficient homes, and homes responsible for around 20% of the UK’s emissions, tackling this challenge has never been more important,” read the report. 

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It would appear, based on analytics from Deepki, that UK homes have lessened energy consumption. Deepki points out that some of these changes may be attributed to energy-saving efforts within sectors, but the impact of milder winters also played a role in reducing energy consumption.

According to the most recent Energy Consumption in the UK report, domestic consumption during the year Deepki got its data from hit a record low “as a result of record warm temperatures during the year and increased energy and other prices leading to behaviour changes for energy users.”

“The building sector has a responsibility to take action to tackle climate change, and must come together in doing so,” said Seema Issar, in-use buildings & sustainable finance manager at the German Sustainable Building Council.

“The ESG Index is a perfect example of a collaborative effort to create a reference that can be used by all, for the benefit of all. We are pleased to support this initiative and look forward to seeing how it evolves in coming years.”