Consumers ‘lack green knowledge’

The survey also showed only 15 per cent were aware of Energy Performance Certificates and what they would contain. Yet, despite the lack of knowledge, 34 per cent of respondents expected carbon neutral homes to become the norm in the future.

Of the 500 consumers questioned, one in four said they would not invest any money to make their homes greener. However, 47 per cent stated they would spend up to £1,000, 19 per cent would spend between £1,000-£5,000, and 7 per cent would spend over £5,000.

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Jeremy Russ, head of marketing and compliance at Beacon Homeloans, said: “With green issues currently such a hot topic in the media, it is surprising to find that only a quarter of respondents could accurately define the term ‘carbon neutral’.

Although it is encouraging to find that almost half of respondents are willing to spend money to improve the green credentials of their home, they are not willing to spend enough to make the most effective changes.”

Rod Murdison, proprietor of Murdison & Browning, said: “People have an interest in things they feel they can do something about – environmental efficiency is not something most people can affect beyond changing their type of light bulbs. Builders must make properties energy efficient.”

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