Britons believe investing in sustainability can reduce poverty and make communities fairer

More than half of people (54%) believe investing in greater sustainability will reduce poverty levels at the same time, an E.ON poll⁽¹⁾ has found.

The nationwide survey highlights a growing public sentiment that sustainability and social equity go hand-in-hand, urging businesses, governments and communities to prioritise renewable energy solutions that drive a fairer society and lift people out of poverty.

Public appetite for sustainable progress

The government and large companies (54%) are jointly responsible for driving large scale innovation in energy, according to the findings, with a drive to use less energy – and generating more of it from home-grown sources – key to delivering a fairer society.

While only around one in seven people (15%) are optimistic that enough action is being taken globally to avoid climate change, the majority (60%) say they are doing their bit to live more sustainably, recognising the impact of climate change on future generations.

Cities emerged as major players in driving sustainability, with 70% of respondents identifying smart city innovations, such as improved energy efficiency in buildings, new renewable energy sources and capturing and reusing heat from data centres, as key solutions to creating a sustainable future.

Vijay Tank, Chief Operating Officer at E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions UK, said: “There is a strong public appetite for sustainable progress, paired with a recognition that investment in clean energy solutions is essential for a fairer future. We’re committed to turning these ambitions into reality – helping people, businesses, even entire cities, to embrace renewable energy solutions that are practical, accessible and impactful.

“From pioneering low carbon heat networks to ground-breaking public-private partnerships, we’re focusing our scale and innovation on ways we can unlock sustainable growth, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and ensure everyone benefits from the energy transition.”

Driving change across the UK

E.ON’s commitment to sustainable transformation is evident in a range of innovative projects across the UK:

• Coventry: Our 15-year strategic energy partnership with the city council is reshaping the city’s energy landscape – by developing a range of opportunities ranging from energy efficiency and renewable energy generation to cleaner transport options and skills initiatives across the city.
• For homeowners: E.ON’s partnership with Amber, an Australian energy platform, empowers solar and EV customers to optimise energy usage with real-time access to dynamic energy prices. Customers can save costs and even sell energy back to the grid, unlocking the full potential of renewable technology.
• London’s Silvertown: E.ON’s unique ectogrid™ technology is delivering an energy-sharing heat network in the heart of East London that could cut emissions by 88% compared to traditional gas boilers. Meanwhile, E.ON’s hidden power station in the City of London, Citigen, is revolutionising energy use by tapping into geothermal energy sources 200m beneath the capital to provide sustainable energy solutions for the equivalent of 13,600 homes.
• National scale: E.ON and Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners are constructing a 230MW battery storage facility in South Wales, helping to balance the energy grid by storing surplus renewable energy and distributing it during peak demand — a critical step in reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

From smart city innovations to homegrown renewable solutions, E.ON is helping create a sustainable future. As part of this commitment, E.ON is also exploring policy recommendations with its climate finance subsidiary, Seagrass, to scale energy storage solutions and reward investments in renewable technologies.

By partnering with local councils, businesses, and communities, E.ON continues to lead the charge toward a sustainable and equitable energy landscape – empowering cities, households, and industries to play their part in securing a better future for generations to come.