UK homeowners ''not committed to renewable energy''

08/05/2008

New research has shown that homeowners' understanding of renewable energy is not matched by their commitment.

A study of 1,000 UK residents by boiler manufacturer Glow Worm has revealed that 40 per cent believe that adopting renewable energy sources is the best way to reduce carbon emissions.

However, it was also discovered that only ten per cent have adopted technologies such as solar water heating and ground source heat pumps in the past year.

Katie Cope, brand manager for Glow Worm, said: "The results demonstrate people's desire to invest in renewable energy.

"The amount of people who have actually acted on this desire suggests that there may be a barrier in making the investment."

She also drew attention to the fact that solar water heating systems can deliver up to 60 per cent of a home's hot water needs.

Encouragingly, the research also found that 81 per cent of people are reducing their power usage in order to cut down their carbon emissions.

Glow Worm, which was established in 1934, supplies a range of heating and hot water products and has a policy of reducing its impact on the environment.