'£170m energy savings' for Yorkshire households

A study published today by the Energy Saving Trust claims that if every household in Yorkshire and the Humber insulated their cavity walls and lofts up to 270mm, replaced ordinary lightbulbs with energy-saving ones and turned appliances off instead of leaving them on standby, it would cut 800,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide – equivalent to taking 300,000 cars off the region's roads.

The study, released to mark Energy Saving Week which begins today, found that 76 per cent of respondents in Yorkshire were looking to cut their fuel bills, citing financial hardship as the main reason.

Of those householders questioned, more than half – 55 per cent –are using less energy than a year ago to save money.

Meanwhile, 35 per cent said they would consider a home survey to see if renewable energy could be installed in their property.

The chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, Philip Sellwood, said: "There is no getting away from the fact that Yorkshire and Humberside is facing challenging economic times. But it is also clear that this hardship is making people think more carefully about what they are spending their money on.

"Investing in energy efficient technologies like loft or cavity wall insulation is an invaluable way to ensure that we can add value to our home, keep bills down and – unlike decor – will never go out of fashion."

Researchers also found that 56 per cent of people surveyed said they would be interested in buying a house already fitted with renewable energy.

Nearly two thirds, 65 per cent, of Yorkshire householders said they also believed that an energy-efficient home should be worth more when sold because it saves on heating bills, while 55 per cent would try to pay less for a home with a poor energy performance certificate.

Mr Sellwood added: "Some might wonder whether the climate is right for moving home, but it is clear that for those who are planning to purchase a new home that energy efficiency is now a key factor in the decision making process.

"Features like double glazing and having at least the minimum levels of loft insulation are something that house-hunters have come to expect."