The organisation’s recent survey found that half of households in Scotland (50%) say their home is not as warm as they would like or is cold. The Scottish Government estimates that around a third (34%) of households in Scotland were in fuel poverty in its latest figures from 2023.  

The survey, by 56 Degree Insight for Changeworks, also found that more than a third (37%) of Scots are extremely or very concerned about being able to afford their energy bills this winter, with concern rising to almost half of those under 35 (45%).  

Stigma around fuel poverty can prevent those living in cold homes and struggling with energy bills from seeking advice and support. As a result, the issue often goes underreported, leaving those in cold households across Scotland without the help they need.  

The coldness of many Scottish homes has knock-on effects for the wellbeing, work and productivity of employees, too. As a result, Changeworks is highlighting a unique opportunity for companies to engage with their staff on this issue through its Low Carbon Living sessions, as an important part of wider employee benefit and Environmental, Social and Governance provisions.  

Josiah Lockhart, chief executive of Changeworks, said: “Fuel poverty and the inefficiency of many Scottish homes affect an increasingly wide cross-section of society. As part of growing efforts to tackle fuel poverty, there is now a significant opportunity for all employers to engage with their people on this issue to improve wellbeing, reduce bills and ensure out-of-office working conditions support a productive workforce. 

“For employers in the Central Belt and Southern Scotland, our practical Low Carbon Living (LCL) sessions deliver free energy and money-saving advice to workplaces and community groups. These sessions help to overcome the challenges identified in the latest survey, giving individuals the knowledge and support to make positive change in their homes that can benefit the environment, as well as the individual. 

“Personalised support is also available to households through our free and confidential Green Energy Helpline.” 

Commenting on the impact of Low Carbon Living sessions, Mark Kennedy, director at Crisis, said: “As an organisation, we are keenly aware of the challenges faced by people affected by poverty in managing their fuel consumption in an energy efficient and sustainable way.

“The increased knowledge and awareness provided by the Changeworks session with our team has provided them with the skills to ensure people using our services are receiving the best and most up to date advice on fuel efficiency and ensuring the most cost effective solutions for them.” 

Over the last three years, Changeworks has supported 215,943 households across Scotland, helping to reduce bills and carbon emissions.  

In 2024-25 alone, Changeworks and its joint venture, Warmworks’ services, saved 366,677 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to the annual carbon emissions from 655,809 UK households’ electricity use.