Socio-Economic Impact of Heat Networks

Climate actions affect much more than emissions, particularly so in the case of heating in buildings. Expanding heat networks and improving building fabric across the areas described in the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES) for Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian would have an impact on cold and damp in homes, regional air quality and fossil fuel emissions. The total discounted value of these impacts (across the period 2025 – 2050) is £2.1 billion, or over £13,000 per household. Excluding carbon mitigation benefits, the total social impact is £353 million (£2,035 per household).

These results demonstrate that heat network expansion and domestic retrofits can simultaneously advance climate goals while delivering substantial health and wellbeing improvements, particularly for vulnerable populations. These findings support an integrated approach to heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency that brings together environmental and social considerations.

Suggested reference:

Sudmant, A. and Higgins-Lavery, R., Brogan, J. 2025. The Socio-Economic Impact of Realising Zero Carbon Heat in the LHEES Zones of Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian. Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, University of Edinburgh.

Funded for this study was provided by Vattenfall Heat UK Ltd.