Green deal helping to make homes more energy efficient

The latest research shows that Green Deal assessments are continuing to help people across England and Wales make their homes more energy efficient.

Research published today found that from a sample of households that had a Green Deal assessment, 81% of households have already, are in the process of or intend to install at least one energy efficiency home improvement. 56% of households have already installed at least one measure, a further 6% are in the process of having instalments, and 19% said they intend to have something installed.

As well as inspiring energy efficiency home improvements, the Green Deal assessments experience continues to be positive:

• 78% of people said their Green Deal assessment was highly useful
• 82% of people had confidence in the recommendations made by their assessor, and
• 72% of people said they would recommend a Green Deal assessment to friends and family

This new research also shows the range of different methods people are using to pay for work following a Green Deal assessment. Some are supported via the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and others are using savings or regular income.

There is also evidence that an increasing number of households plan to use Green Deal finance, with 24% of those planning to install measures indicating they intend to take out a Green Deal Plan.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey said: “It’s clear that Green Deal assessments are helping people to make their homes more energy efficient. This is hugely encouraging and exactly what the Green Deal is designed to do.

“Green Deal assessments are proving to be extremely valuable and are leading to householders investing in energy saving measures. Some people are using Green Deal finance; others are paying in different ways. And of course people should do whatever works best for them.

“The Green Deal is a completely new, ambitious and long-term programme. It’s still early days but the results from this latest research really underline that people want to take action to make their homes warmer and more efficient, and to keep their bills down.”

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker added: “It is very encouraging that Green Deal assessments are enabling people to take action to make their homes more energy efficient.

“This new research further demonstrates that most people are finding Green Deal assessments to be helpful. It also underlines the desire to save money on energy bills as a main motivator for having an assessment.

“The Green Deal is a long term programme but the evidence is already showing that people are increasingly acting to improve their homes.”

Other key findings from the research include:

• 61% said their motivation for having an assessment was to save money on energy bills
• 78% said it was clear which energy saving improvements were recommended during the assessment
• 74% said it was clear what the improvements would entail
• 73% said the next steps following an assessment were clear

The research was conducted from a survey of 500 households that had a Green Deal assessment between 1 April and 30 June 2013.