I agree the fastest, least disruptive and cheapest savings in energy consumption will come from insulation, draught proofing, windows and control systems. Some elements may depend on age and property construction (eg: solid vs cavity walls).
To get to a net zero home is more challenging and expensive. For a large new build this can be planned at the design stage and incorporated at fairly low cost.
For most existing homes heat pumps may not be an optimal or even feasible solution. Room mounted split systems can provide heat, PV + battery back up can provide power, evacuated tubes can provide hot water. Any additional energy requirements will be met from the grid - which should anyway be zero carbon in time.
On a personal level the increase in energy costs has left me seriiously researching PV and battery systems, and improved glazing to reduce heat loss. Unlikely to go for a heat pump as gas boiler was replaced only three years ago.
The questions are who pays, and how quickly does the transition happen. Some will be unwilling to sacrifice current spending power to invest in better energy sources, some may find it difficult to afford. Some will create barriers to change under the illusion they are making a plausible argument. Government resolve will be tested!
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