80% underestimate carbon footprint

Thursday, 5 June 2008 10:00 AM

The vast majority of UK homeowners underestimate the carbon footprint of their property, as well as the potential impact of energy saving attempts.

When asked to choose between a 4x4 car, a Victorian house and plane trips to Europe as the most serious offender in carbon emissions, only 21.4 per cent of people correctly selected the home as the worst culprit.

A virtually even number selected the flights and vehicle, according to research from eco-homebuilder Kingerlee Homes. However, while a 4x4 emits an average of 3.6 tonnes of Co2 each year, the typical house emits six.

"Planes and cars get a lot of bad press when it comes to carbon emissions, but people also need to look closer to home when it comes to producing less carbon dioxide," said Jonathan Kingerlee, chairman of Kingerlee Homes.

Yet, people are unaware of the impact simple changes could make to their carbon footprint.

The survey finds changes to reduce emissions in the home are mainly motivated by cost (58.2 per cent) rather than to save energy (25.5 per cent).

However, large savings can be achieved by simple changes in a property, of which many respondents were unaware.

When asked how much could be saved on heating bills if the thermostat in a three-bedroom property was reduced from 21°C to 18°C, over half of respondents selected a reduction of 15 per cent, when the actual saving is 30 per cent.

"Our survey shows that the general public is keen to reduce their emissions, but most are unaware that by making changes in their home - such as lowering their thermostat - they will not only reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions, but also save a considerable amount of money," added Mr Kingerlee.

While men and women think alike in the driving factors for eco-changes to their home and lifestyle, choosing cost as their main reason, it is women who are more proactive in making these alterations.

Almost 85 per cent of women have reduced their plastic bag consumption compared to 78 per cent of men, while just over 55 per cent of men have started turning the taps off while they brush their teeth, compared to over 70 per cent of women.

"We must now capitalise on this and focus on educating the public to ensure that people know what the sources of these emissions are, and how they can make simple adjustments to their lifestyles and homes accordingly," concluded Mr Kingerlee.

Chris O'Toole

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