Carbon footprint increasingly important to buyers

Monday, 1 October 2007 12:00 AM

Some two-thirds of homeowners are making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint, according to research released today by house builder Redrow homes.

Furthermore, as many as 80 per cent of homebuyers would be more likely to buy an eco-friendly home, according to the report.

Approximately 20 per cent of homeowners believe they are already doing everything they can to reduce their environmental impact, while 45 per cent state they are making an effort in some areas.

The study found a variety of methods used to cut emissions.

Up to 72 per cent of homeowners were employing energy efficient light bulbs, 70 per cent had segregated recycling bins and 69 per cent had one or more A-Rated energy efficient appliance.

An encouraging 85 per cent also claim to recycle newspapers and other paper-based products.

"The purpose of the survey was to investigate our own home owners' attitudes to becoming more eco-friendly to help us assess the viability of our eco-options," commented Redrow's marketing director, Simon Bennett.

"We were very encouraged 80 per cent of people said they would be more likely to buy a home that was eco-friendly, especially as the Government has challenged all house builders to create homes with a zero carbon footprint by 2016."

However, there were some areas of concern.

Up to 89 per cent of those questioned admitted they could not live without their car.

Furthermore, only nine per cent of people regularly take part in a car-share programme for work or school, and only six per cent use public transport everyday.

Finally, only 12 per cent of those questioned knowingly signed up to a green energy supplier - i.e. a supplier using only renewable resources.

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