An awful lot of recycling for the money

Brits will spend £13 billion on green home improvements this year, such as the one in 12 people who say that they would consider fitting solar panels, a survey has calculated.

The Co-operative Bank says that almost seven out of ten people already take steps to recycle, with six out of every ten people switching to energy saving light bulbs, two out of five homeowners adding loft and cavity wall insulation and a quarter of residents switching to double glazing.

John Barker, head of mortgages at the Co-operative Bank, comments: "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."

It appears that the valleys really are greener in Wales with three quarters of environmentally aware households, whereas only two thirds of Northern Irish residents say that they are "green".

Homeowners are reminded that major DIY undertakings may affect their home insurance premiums.

16/01/2008 22:23:37