This is according to research by Professor Alice Owen, University of Leeds, and Professor Gavin Killip, Nottingham Trent University, on behalf of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, argues that the research “clearly shows” why SME builders across the country stand ready to deliver the retrofit revolution the UK desperately needs.

He adds: “However, presently there is limited demand from consumers to carry out the work on their homes. The key to boosting this will be putting a robust regulatory system in place to guarantee the competence of builders, setting minimum standards to ensure high-quality work that people can trust.

“This is an issue which successive governments have ignored for far too long. The first King’s Speech following the election is taking place this week, and there is an opportunity to generate real momentum in the retrofit sector, which must not be wasted.”

Prof. Alice Owen, Director of the Sustainability Research Institute at Leeds University, notes that the research highlights the opinions of small, local building firms often overlooked in discussions of reducing home energy bills.

“This group will end up upgrading – retrofitting - millions of the nation’s homes, so their opinions matter. It appears there is work to be done to ensure that the nation’s local builders can retrofit homes, not least to get clear guidance from the government on a robust set of standards to support the rollout. However, the builders seem ready and willing to take up the challenge; they need help creating the real market demand that will lead to action,” she says.

For Prof. Gavin Killip, professor of Buildings & Energy Policy at Nottingham Trent University, the findings of this research are a valuable guide for how government and business must proceed with plans to retrofit the UK’s homes.

“If we are to meet climate targets, consumer incentives to instil confidence to upgrade homes will be necessary, and this, in turn, will create a much-needed market for the builders delivering it.

“There is huge potential for business growth, with the added benefits of improved standards, local job creation, warmer homes, reduced bills and ultimately lower emissions and healthier people - there just needs to be an ambitious plan to make it a reality.”