Brits keen to go green, but don't know how
Survey finds majority of UK homeowners would consider installing renewable energy generation
Energy experts have warned that plans to get millions of UK households to take part in the government’s flagship energy efficiency Green Deal scheme are at risk of failing, after a new survey showed a lack of understanding about the scheme.
A YouGov survey of 2,022 adults carried out at the start of the month on behalf of utility and environmental consultancy Gemserv found that 61 per cent of homeowners would consider installing technology such as solar PV panels, hydro power or using biomass fuel to generate their own energy.
However, despite this interest in green technologies, the survey also revealed a widespread lack of awareness about installation and potential cost savings, which could undermine adoption of renewable energy systems.
Over half of respondents said renewable energy technologies were too expensive to install, while a third said they were unsure how much money they could save or earn from renewable energy sources.
Moreover, nearly two-thirds of people were unaware of the financial incentives available for those generating renewable energy.
The survey also confirmed there is considerable confusion around the Green Deal scheme, with 54 per cent of respondents unable to identify correctly that it is designed to fund energy efficiency improvements.
Fourteen per cent of consumers thought the Green Deal was aimed at protecting national forests and outdoor spaces, while nine per cent thought it was for increasing the number of hybrid cars on UK roads.
Gemserv said the research highlights a “green gap” between consumers’ eagerness to embrace renewable energy technologies and their lack of knowledge about how best to do so.
The company’s chief executive, David Thorne, said education was crucial to driving success.
“I am encouraged by some of these findings as I am delighted that nearly half the population would like to install renewable energy technologies. What worries me is the lack of fundamental awareness surrounding it,” he said.
“To bridge the Green Gap it’s essential we continue to educate consumers and break down some of the myths surrounding the Green Deal, energy efficiency and microgeneration.”
Energy experts have warned that plans to get millions of UK households to take part in the government’s flagship energy efficiency Green Deal scheme are at risk of failing, after a new survey showed a lack of understanding about the scheme.
A YouGov survey of 2,022 adults carried out at the start of the month on behalf of utility and environmental consultancy Gemserv found that 61 per cent of homeowners would consider installing technology such as solar PV panels, hydro power or using biomass fuel to generate their own energy.
However, despite this interest in green technologies, the survey also revealed a widespread lack of awareness about installation and potential cost savings, which could undermine adoption of renewable energy systems.
Over half of respondents said renewable energy technologies were too expensive to install, while a third said they were unsure how much money they could save or earn from renewable energy sources.
Moreover, nearly two-thirds of people were unaware of the financial incentives available for those generating renewable energy.
The survey also confirmed there is considerable confusion around the Green Deal scheme, with 54 per cent of respondents unable to identify correctly that it is designed to fund energy efficiency improvements.
Fourteen per cent of consumers thought the Green Deal was aimed at protecting national forests and outdoor spaces, while nine per cent thought it was for increasing the number of hybrid cars on UK roads.
Gemserv said the research highlights a “green gap” between consumers’ eagerness to embrace renewable energy technologies and their lack of knowledge about how best to do so.
The company’s chief executive, David Thorne, said education was crucial to driving success.
“I am encouraged by some of these findings as I am delighted that nearly half the population would like to install renewable energy technologies. What worries me is the lack of fundamental awareness surrounding it,” he said.
“To bridge the Green Gap it’s essential we continue to educate consumers and break down some of the myths surrounding the Green Deal, energy efficiency and microgeneration.”
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