People 'prepared to pay more' for a sustainable home

A new report shows that home owners are prepared to pay more to live in a sustainable home.

92 per cent interviewed for a new survey were keen to see sustainability features offered on new homes.

The report also shows that men are more likely than women to know about energy saving and energy generation in the home.

The new report, Eco Chic or Eco Geek, has been carried out by the Sponge Sustainability Network.

Speaking at the launch event, Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper MP said: "This survey shows that more and more people want to see action in their own home to tackle climate change.  A quarter of all our carbon emissions are from our homes.  That is why it is so important for all new homes to be zero carbon within ten years, and why home buyers should be entitled to proper energy efficiency ratings on existing homes as well."

Four out of five people believe hi-tech sustainable homes can help combat climate change, but call for more market choice and Government leadership.

Director of the Sponge Sustainability Network, Sonny Masero, said: "This report comes at a crucial time when we all need to rise to the challenge of climate change in our every day lives.

"We are delighted and impressed by the clear swing in consumer expectations towards much higher environmental standards. Now house builders must respond quickly to catch up with consumer demand and offer more market choice."

Paul Ruyssevelt, Director of the sponsoring company Energy for Sustainable Development, said: "The report shows that a lack of information is seen as the key barrier in driving demand for sustainable homes according to 70 per cent of homeowners. 

"Energy Performance Certificates, to be provided as part of the forthcoming Home Information Packs, will be an important step towards helping home buyers make better informed decisions."

New schemes such as the Code for Sustainable Homes, where zero carbon homes will be exempt from stamp duty, and the forthcoming Energy Performance Certificate are welcome tools to help people make green choices when buying a new home.

Buyers are keen to have more information about the energy performance of their potential new home since this is likely to have an impact on house prices in future.

In response to the report, Debbie Aplin, Managing Director of Crest Nicholson Regeneration, said: "This Sponge report is invaluable. Now we must build consumer confidence that developers are rising to the challenge and embedding sustainability in housing designs that help the environment, and have the added benefit of reducing household bills."