Green dreams: Eight out of 10 homeowners plan to make their property greener
Approximately 84 per cent of those who own a property aim to make their home more environmentally friendly within the next 12 months, according to new research from City Plumbing.
The report from the plumbing and heating trade supplier shows they hope to make these changes in the coming year, with reducing energy bills a key motivation.
Last week the government extended the Green Homes Grant scheme until March 2022, giving homeowners longer to make the most of the energy efficiency home improvement vouchers. Two-thirds (about 67 per cent) of those intending to make these changes said they are already aware of the scheme.
Some 28 per cent plan to use it in the future, while seven per cent are already making use of it.
Steve Alldritt, technical director of City Plumbing’s energy efficiency team, says: “For homeowners, making energy efficient changes saves money in the long run, reduces environmental impact and can even make a property more appealing to future buyers.
“It really is a win-win situation.
“The research shows that demand for green upgrades is high; whether it is low carbon heating, biomass boilers or heating controls, the opportunity is there for tradespeople to benefit from.
“We are supporting tradespeople who are interesting in signing up for the Green Homes Grant scheme, with impartial advice, indemnified designs, project solutions and fast quotation turnaround.”
The most popular energy efficient home improvements are loft insulation (21 per cent), followed by cavity wall insulation (20 per cent).
People were also, however, considering, solid wall insulation – internal or external (17 per cent), under floor insulation (16 per cent), radiators (13 per cent) and underfloor heating (12 per cent).
Nearly a third (31 per cent) of homeowners think that eco improvements could make their home more comfortable for them and their family, while a quarter (27 per cent) believe it would make their property more attractive to prospective buyers.