'Mortgage restrictions could improve cheap energy efficiency' - 26/02/2010
The National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) has called for mortgage restrictions on homes that are not efficient with their cheap energy use.
The association said homeowners who are forced to pledge to improve their efficiency before being given a mortgage would be more likely to make adjustments to their energy use.
Householders would also be more likely to compare energy providers and switch to more cost-effective tariffs.
Andrew Leech, director of the NHIC, said such restrictions may be just around the corner, as governments are increasingly trying to find ways to improve sustainability.
"Energy efficiency means covering everything from loft insulation to cavity wall insulation and new boilers, and generally upgrading windows and doors," he said. "It really is a big project."
Mr Leech added that the energy efficiency of homes in the country needs to be improved at a rate of around 50,000 a year if government targets are to be met by 2050.
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