Why more homeowners dont go green

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) has been researching why more UK homeowners dont invest in making their homes more energy-efficient.

Green improvements such as a conservatory or solar panels are enough to make 53 per cent of buyers consider paying more for a property, according to figures from the Energy Savings Trust.

But in spite of this, there is a general lack of action on the green home improvement front – a phenomenon caused by the lack of any onus being placed on homeowners to spring into action, according to the DIUS research.

"The report looks in some detail at the factors that get in the way of people engaging with energy efficiency and decarbonisation," said a DIUS spokesman.

"The hassle factor, the disruption and lack of trust in installers can all play a part."

The research called for an MOT-style check that would see existing homes subjected to similar legislation as new builds, which must meet criteria laid out in the Code for Sustainable Homes.

While some homeowners may complain that it could force them to make changes, the savings made from having some quality work done can be huge.