Brits spend billions on green improvements
(17 January 2008)

Brits are planning to spend £13 billion making green home improvements in the upcoming year, according to the Co-operative Bank.

The most popular green changes already being made by people are taking up recycling (66 per cent) and switching to energy saving light bulbs which 60 per cent of people have done.

A further 40 per cent are adding loft and cavity wall insulation.

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," he added.

The research also showed that a number of people are embracing less conventional green improvements.

One in ten people are planning to install rainwater capture to their homes, while seven per cent of the population is considering fitting solar panels.

Meanwhile, green mortgages are still "very much a niche product" and are expected to stay that way in 2008.

Norwich and Peterborough Building Society stated that ethical and sustainable mortgages would become more popular in line with other environmentally-friendly lifestyle changes.