A report from the Energy Saving Trust revealed that nearly seven out of ten Britons believe that homes boasting energy saving features are worth paying more for. Almost half (44%) of us are willing to pay an additional £5,000 - £10,000 for a green home built to high environmental standards.
The report concludes that homes with features such as sufficient levels of insulation, double-glazing and energy efficient boilers will be more attractive to buyers and could possibly sell quicker.
Research shows that the 59% of home sellers focusing on shortcuts, such as applying a lick of paint, or adding a few scatter cushions, might be missing a trick - compared to just 21% who would consider improving the energy efficiency of their homes before putting it on the market.
Old boilers, single glazed windows and insufficient insulation would sway more than two thirds (64%) of home buyers against a purchase. This compares to less than one in ten who would be put off by the decor, the garden, or level of tidiness of a property.
Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, suggested the results signify a positive shift in consumer demand and awareness of the need for increased energy efficiency. He said: "With our homes responsible for over a quarter of the UK's total CO2 emissions, it is essential to increase their energy efficiency. This increase in demand for environmentally friendly homes will hopefully inspire more homeowners to make important improvements, not only to make their homes more comfortable and less costly to run, but also to pass on these benefits to potential buyers."
The Government announced new measures aimed at building on existing work by the ODPM, to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development including:
The Government announced new proposals to drive up water efficiency in new and existing homes. The proposals will be the focus of a consultation to be issued this Summer.
Regulations on water efficiency will apply to new homes, the extension and refurbishment of existing homes, and to the refitting of bathrooms and kitchens. The aim is to reduce water use through things like low and dual flush toilets and other improvements to taps, showers, and washing machines.
The announcement followed a commitment given in December 2005 to regulate on water efficiency as part of a package of environmental measures in response to Kate Barker's review of Housing Supply.
Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper said: "We need to build more homes for the next generations and also make sure that they are environmentally sustainable. That means we need high standards on water efficiency and will bring forward new measures to save water in our homes.
Environment Minister Elliot Morley said: "Water is a precious resource in many parts of the country, not just because of low rainfall in the short-term, but because changes to our climate are taking place at the same time as changes in the structure and behaviour of our communities. We have the responsibility of knowing that action we take now has the potential to either reduce or add to the burden our children will face as pressure on the water supply increases. There is no one solution to this complex challenge, and in a changing environment we need a joined-up approach if we are to protect the long-term sustainability of supply. That doesn't mean compromising on comfort or quality of life, but working on a number of levels together, to reduce leakage, improve technology, and minimise waste."
A commitment to regulate on water efficiency was given in the Government response to Kate Barker's Review of Housing Supply in December 2005.
With water consumption in new houses estimated at 25% to 30% lower than in conventionally built houses, technical solutions available for achieving even more demanding reductions, regulatory or voluntary mechanisms, or a combination of both, are considered necessary for increasing take-up of water saving measures.
The consultation in Summer will set out the means by which higher standards of water efficiency can be achieved and will consider the scope for regulation within water fittings regulations and building regulations, as well as set a clear relationship with the Code for Sustainable Homes.