- 16
- Jan
Britons are increasingly looking to make eco-friendly improvements to their home, new research shows.
According to a study by the Co-operative Bank, a significant number of homeowners want to implement various green measures, such as fitting cavity wall insulation, to help reduce their impact upon the environment. Findings from the firm indicated that people from Wales are “greenest”. Three out of four (75 per cent) consumers from the province have made their home kinder to the environment during the last year. Meanwhile, 74 and 73 per cent of people from East Anglia and the east Midlands have brought in such changes respectively.
About two-thirds (68 per cent) of Scots now have a more environmentally-friendly property. In comparison, those living in Northern Ireland and the south-west of England are those who are least looking to implement green measures within their homes. Over the past 12 months, just 65 per cent of people from these areas have introduced such changes.
In taking steps to reduce their ecological impact, it is possible that consumers could see their utility bill costs lowering. This could lead to many homeowners having more money at their disposal, which could assist them in meeting other demands on their spending, such as loans, credit and store cards, mortgages and overdraft repayments.
Findings from the financial services company also indicated that more than a quarter (26 per cent) of homeowners across the country are looking to have their lofts insulated. Meanwhile, 25 per cent want to install double-glazing windows, with 15 per cent of those questioned considering draught-proofing their homes. In addition, 13 per cent of respondents aim on having cavity wall insulation fitted.
Other eco-friendly measures people are considering include adding solar panels - which account for seven per cent of those questioned - and installing rainwater capture facilities (11 per cent). Two out of three Britons state that they are going to recycle their household waste, with 61 per cent making sure that all electrical items are turned off from the stand-by mode.
For those looking to implement any of the above measures, a homeowner loan might be a useful way in funding this work.
Commenting on the figures, John Barker, head of mortgages at the Co-operative Bank, said: “This research clearly shows that people are really starting to sit up and take notice of green issues in relation to their homes. 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.”
In taking out a homeowner loan, consumers may find that the help with money that it provides will not only assist them to make property more energy efficient but could also make it more secure. Applying for this type of loan could help Britons to protect their home against the threat of thieves as they may be able to fit window and door locks, alarms and security lights. Last month, Bradford & Bingley reported that the winter months - in particular the Christmas and new year period - may result in more consumers being the victim of opportunistic burglars.
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