Public 'need convincing' on efficiency - 13/03/2012

The government needs to find a way to win over the public on the issue of energy efficiency in order to make them aware of the benefits making improvements can offer - while bringing down the country's carbon footprint.

This is according to co-founder of Sustain Worldwide, Gordon Miller, who noted that the topic is not yet at the forefront of the minds of the Britain's 26 million homeowners.

He called on the coalition to "find a way to win the hearts and minds of the public on this issue" -  as doing this is the only way homeowners can be encouraged to undertake green projects.

These can range from simply fitting insulation and draught excluders, to reduce the amount of energy being lost through the walls and roof, to switching to more efficient appliances to combat rising gas and electricity prices.

Mr Miller said that "for many people it's just not a 'sexy' or critical issue and until that changes - if that is in any way possible - it will continue to be an uphill struggle".

He explained that while the spring is a good time for homeowners to look at carrying out efficiency projects, the issue does not cross many people's minds until the winter.

"Often, by then, tradesmen are too busy undertaking emergency jobs and it's nigh on impossible to get someone in to do a 'routine' DIY job like laying insulation," he said.

The government's Green Deal, due to launch later this year, may help raise the profile of efficiency and Mr Miller said availability of green services should improve thanks to new training for workers.

Under the initiative, consumers will be have access to an advice line and website offering impartial tips on carrying out upgrades, as well as the ability to have the cost of any new efficiency measures added the their electricity bill.

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