Researchers looking at ways British homes can use energy more efficiently and how technology can help cut domestic carbon emissions have been awarded more than £4 million by energy company E.ON and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The research grants are part of a five-year, £10 million joint programme being run by E.ON and the EPSRC which is open to all UK universities seeking to bring forward new low carbon energy solutions.

Loughborough University and the University of Reading are leading two separate groups which will share £4.2 million for work focusing on reducing the substantial proportion of CO2 emissions from homes, which account for almost a third of the carbon dioxide emitted in the UK.

Dave Clarke, E.ON's Head of Research and Development, said: "These are two very important projects in our collaborative programme with universities that will help change the way we use energy in our day-to-day lives and help combat climate change.

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"It further demonstrates E.ON's commitment to leading in low carbon energy technologies, which we are also pursuing through our own £12 million research programme involving more than 200 ongoing projects."

Loughborough University is heading five universities in a project which will examine how energy efficient and low carbon technologies - such as advanced heat pumps, vacuum glazing and solid wall insulation - can better provide the heating and hot water needs of current housing styles.

Professor Dennis Loveday of Loughborough University said: "Householder appeal and interaction will play an important role in reducing emissions. This places the emphasis on retrofit solutions that are aligned with our modern lifestyles and meet practical and economic needs."

The technologies will be tested in laboratories and by volunteers in their own homes. New computer software will be created to design and select measures for each home.

The University of Reading project, involving six other universities, is taking an innovative approach to demonstrating how changing the way people act at home can save energy, without affecting their quality of life.

Consumers will be asked to help identify changes to the way they currently use energy, as well as providing options for lowering their needs.

(CD/JM)