Environmental concerns are prompting large numbers of Britons to invest in green home improvements, ranging from installing energy efficient light bulbs to high grade insulation and solar panels.

The findings, from new research conducted for Rockwool, found that 71% of British homeowners say they are concerned about the global environment with 78% in the process of making environmental improvements to their homes.

Of these improvements, installing energy saving light bulbs is the most popular eco-improvement, with 71% of British adults saying they are in the process of fitting these at their homes.

More than one in four (26%) say they are replacing old household appliances with more energy efficient models, 19% are installing more energy efficient central heating systems and 18% say they are investing in high grade home insulation.

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A further 2% say they are in the process of installing solar panels, with an additional 2% adopting a less high tech approach to eco-heating as they install wood burning stoves.

Hans Schreuder, Managing Director, Rockwool commented: "Some studies released recently have suggested that the construction industry is pulling back from developing green buildings, in the wake of concerns that customers won't pay extra for green developments. However our study suggests that consumers still see the environmental credentials of a property as being of vital importance.

"The key difference is that consumers view properties in terms of their running costs and whether they reflect their lifestyles and ambitions (not in terms of build costs), and in the face of higher energy prices and an increasing interest in the environment, the green performance of buildings is clearly key.

"While the construction industry and property developers may be tempted to cut costs by reducing green innovations and specification within buildings, we would urge them to reconsider. The cost per unit increase incurred through adding high grade insulation, energy efficient appliances or high performance glazing is not that great and in a slow housing market could make all the difference when it comes to securing sales."

(CD/JM)