Talking about... energy in the home

Two tips for talking with Progressive Activists:

• Progressive Activists care deeply about this issue and feel it should be a priority. They understand the need to transition away from fossil fuels and overwhelmingly think it will be a good thing for the UK and the world. But they struggle to believe we’re doing enough, moving fast enough, or that governments will act sufficiently.
• Show progress that’s already happening on clean energy and how popular it is. Give hope that we are collectively moving towards our climate goals. Talk about how governments can help to ramp up and speed up progress, and how people and communities can benefit, and already are benefitting, from things like solar panels.

Two tips for talking with Incrementalist Left:

• Incrementalist Lefts care deeply about this, and want to see more renewable energy, especially when it brings community benefits. They favour improving the status quo over radical change and are already getting on with action in their communities. 
• Show progress that’s already happening on clean energy and how popular it is. Celebrate what people are already doing, the home-grown local energy projects communities are already creating, and the positive impact they’re having. Emphasise how we can collectively do more.

Two tips for talking with Established Liberals:

• Established Liberals are optimistic about renewable energy’s capacity for technological innovation and its role in reinforcing Britain’s global leadership. They are on board with adopting new technologies themselves.
• Highlight the progress we’re making with things like solar panel installments, and celebrate the economic benefits and competitive advantages this brings to the country as a whole. Talk about how adopting clean energy practices in the home is an investment in a prosperous society and a better future for everyone.

Two tips for talking with Sceptical Scrollers:

• Sceptical Scrollers know climate change is happening and are concerned, but they approach life with more scepticism generally. They want leaders who stick to their principles and promises, and are up for radical change to address society’s big problems, especially at a local level.
• Talk about how relying more and more on clean energy means improving our local areas and securing a more prosperous future for everyone. Emphasise how investing in clean energy brings more benefits than sticking with the status quo. Pass the mic to people who have adopted things like solar panels and are already enjoying the benefits.

Two tips for talking with Rooted Patriots:

• Rooted Patriots want ambitious action on climate change, with a focus on what’s local and fair, rather than what’s happening globally. They are proud of Britain and its past and want a sensible, measured approach to change. They are open to transitioning to clean energy if it is framed engagingly. 
• Show why relying more and more on clean energy makes sense for them personally. Highlight the support and grants available for people and communities. Talk about how people are already enjoying the benefits of clean energy at home. Emphasise that by investing in clean energy in our homes, we can protect what matters most – a prosperous future for our families and communities.

Two tips for talking with Traditional Conservatives:

• Traditional Conservatives place high importance on respecting our environment, but are less sold on policies which they associate with a loss of freedom. They prefer gradual, incremental change that retains the way of life they cherish. They don’t respond well to being told we’re failing to make progress. 
• Talk about how the progress we’re already making towards using more clean energy is helping to protect our environment and British way of life. Show that it is a way to safeguard and respect the things we hold dear, and to invest in a secure energy supply – a ‘win-win’. Bring to life what this looks like for them personally by passing the mic to people who have adopted things like solar panels and are already enjoying the benefits.

Two tips for talking with Dissenting Disruptors:

• Dissenting Disruptors think climate change is an important issue, but they have strong fairness concerns when it comes to actions and policies, and don’t trust that leaders will take ordinary people into account. They feel very disconnected from society and frustrated with the status quo. 
• Show how our move towards clean energy is an investment in a more prosperous future for British people – and normalise the changes that are already happening, such as the uptake of solar panels on homes. Give voice to ordinary people and communities that are benefitting from clean energy jobs and infrastructure.