Green home improvements to cost £13bn

Home improvements to boost their environmental credentials will cost Britons £13 billion this year, research has shown.

Figures compiled by the Co-operative Bank revealed that green measures were becoming increasingly popular with homeowners already recycling waste, turning off unused electrical items, investing in energy saving lighbulbs and turning the heating down.

More than one third (39 per cent) said they were taking fewer baths, while one quarter have invested in double glazing.

"This research clearly shows that people are really starting to sit up and take notice of green issues in relation to their homes," said John Barker, head of mortgages at the Co-operative Bank.

"Houses are one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions in the UK and taking steps to improve the environmental impact of homes is something that we strongly believe should be encouraged."

The survey also revealed that one in ten homeowners has bought a rain water capture device, while 19 per cent said they had installed cavity wall insulation.

These types of initiative not only help reduce the impact of residential properties on the environment, but they also bring down energy bills.


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