Environmental analysis news: Green home improvements 'very important'

Home improvements that involve making properties more energy efficient are vital in the current climate, an industry expert has claimed.

Andrew Leech, director at the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC), commented that the debate in Copenhagen over climate change had put the spotlight on measures to make households more energy efficient.

He stated that work needs to be done to bring existing houses up to the required standard.

"If we don't do it then we are in big trouble as far as the environment is concerned," Mr Leech commented.

Earlier this week, the Conservative party announced proposals to offer every home in the UK access to £6,500-worth of home energy efficiency improvements.

Under its Green Deal, the money will be paid back through the reduced energy bills subsequently received by the household.

Mr Leech praised the sentiment behind the plans and added that any initiative with the aim of saving energy and reducing fuel poverty is a positive step.

"Any incentive which makes them [homeowners] think about making their homes more efficient is very worthwhile," he continued.

Posted by Joseph Hutton