UK homes to splash out on green improvements

As public consciousness grows concerning environmental issues, people in the UK will begin to spend more on making their homes environmentally-friendly, it has been revealed.

During 2008, Britons are expected to spend £13 billion on making green improvements to their homes, according to figures from the Cooperative Bank.

People have already begun making efforts such as switching to energy efficient light bulbs and adding loft and wall cavity insulation to their homes; however innovations such as rainwater capture and the addition of solar panels will be coming to the fore for some UK homeowners, the bank has said.

Head of mortgages at the Cooperative Bank John Barker said: "This research clearly shows that people are really starting to sit up and take notice of green issues in relation to their homes."

"Houses are one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions in the UK."

People considering making such changes to their homes may be interested in taking out a cheap loan in order to pay for the improvements to their homes.

By taking steps such as these, people may save money, according to the National Insulation Association, which states that it is now more cost-effective than ever to insulate homes.