Renewable Energy - Homes ''not embracing'' zero-carbon measures

03/04/2008

UK homeowners are unwilling to make the move to zero-carbon homes, new research has suggested.

The study by the National House-Building Council (NHBC) Foundation revealed that consumers believe environmentally-friendly housing requires more work than a standard house, reports the BBC.

It found that environmental concerns, such as energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, are not major concerns for UK homeowners, who said they would rather spend the extra time and money on a new bathroom or kitchen.

Imtiaz Farookhi, NHBC chief executive, told the news provider that the debate over efficiency in housing has mainly been between the government and the building industry, while homeowners have not been involved in the process.

"Unless people actually understand and engage in this, they are not going to be willing to buy these homes and change their lifestyles," he said.

Yesterday, environment secretary Hilary Benn unveiled a series of measures designed to move the fight against climate change inside residential properties, including a national energy efficiency helpline.