Are rising costs making more people go green?

As energy bills continue to soar, it seems that more people now realise that going green is a great way to save money, as well as save the planet.

A survey conducted by Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (N&P) has revealed that 69% of people said they were more likely to install energy-efficient features in their homes now, compared to this time last year.

It seems that the rising costs of gas, electricity and water are really starting to hurt, encouraging people to look for cheaper or more efficient methods of running their homes.

The survey was staged among customers to discover their views on "green" issues to mark the launch of N&P's annual Eco Self-Build competition, which is now in its seventh year. The competition gives home-owners who have undertaken an "eco self-build" the chance to win £5,000 in cash. The winner will be the entrant whose property has, in the opinion of the judges, the most positive impact on the environment.

N&P asked people if they were ever to have a home built to their individual requirements, would they incorporate green features such as solar panels, a wind turbine, or ground source heat pumps? An impressive 87% of people said that they would, which is an increase of 6% on last year, when the same question was posed to customers. Of the remaining 13%, who said they would not use green features, nearly a third (30%) said they were worried about cost and 40% said they felt they did not know enough about it. 24% said they were ‘not interested' and the remaining 6% did not give a reason.

Respondents were also asked to rank 10 features in order of preference for inclusion in their "dream home". Energy efficiency came second in the overall priority list at 63% - beaten only to the top spot by a designer kitchen (77%).

Notably, more women opted for a smart kitchen (85%) than men (66%) while both sexes were generally in agreement over putting energy-efficient features next on their list. 64% of women and 63% of men polled said it was high on their "dream home" list.

Third on the list of top features for a "dream home" was a fully landscaped garden, while a designer bathroom/wet room was ranked 4th. Trendy, open-plan living came in 5th place, and having a dressing room was listed in 6th place, closely followed by equipping the house with wireless technology. A home cinema was ranked in 8th place and in 9th came a home gym. Finally, in 10th place, was ensuite facilities in all bedrooms.

Interestingly, of those polled 55% said they would consider building their own home. Those aged between 31 and 50 were the age group most keen to get building, with 60% saying they would consider a self-build. 58% of those aged under 30 also said they would like to build their own home, along with 43% of over 50s.

N&P Eco Self-Build competition judge Chris Holey, who has 30 years' surveying experience, said he was pleased that more people were realising the need to use energy-saving systems and gadgets in running their homes more efficiently.

He said: "It is great to see that more people are considering making their homes more energy efficient. It is important that everyone does what they can to reduce their impact upon the environment, and I am encouraged by the findings of this survey. I hope that the winner of this year's Eco Self-Build competition will inspire others to improve their own homes. I'm looking forward to the judging!"

About the Competition:

Open to anyone who has built a "one-off" residential property, completed to their individual specification in the UK between 1st July 2007 and 30th June 2008, either by themselves, or by a building contractor

Competition entry forms can be obtained from any N&P branch, or by telephoning the Society's Contact Centre on 0845 300 2511

The winning entry will be the property that is the most environmentally-friendly (in relation to location, construction, type, features and value) in the opinion of the judges

All properties should be in receipt of their NHBC certificate or equivalent guarantee/insurance documentation in order to be entered

All entrants must still be residing in the property they are entering as at 31st March 2009

Entrants may submit photographs or other evidence of their work

All entrants, by submitting an entry, agree to accommodate a visit to their home by the judges if short-listed

Competition closes 31st December 2008