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Green Deal awareness still lagging, reports YouGov

green deal assessor
A new report from YouGov SixthSense reveals that a fifth (21 per cent) of homeowners in Britain say their homes often feel cold, but the high cost of heating is leading many to seek out ways to reduce energy consumption and make their homes more efficient.

According to the report, 44 per cent of homeowners have cut back on their energy use in the last 12 months. Meanwhile, more than a quarter (28 per cent) have reduced spending on non-essential goods and services, and more than one in ten (11 per cent) have cut back on essentials.

Homeowners surveyed in the C2DE (blue collar worker) socio-economic group are most likely to have cut back on energy use in the last 12 months. Women are also more likely to cut back, whereas men are more likely to change providers to try and find a cheaper deal.

As of March 2013, 27 per cent of homeowners surveyed had not heard of the Green Deal while a further 33 per cent had heard of it but knew nothing about it. Just over one in 10 (11%) said they knew quite a lot about the Green Deal.

Television (44 per cent) was the most important channel to inform homeowners who were aware of the Green Deal. Other notable channels used include radio (23 per cent) and the internet (20 per cent).

Some 3 per cent of homeowners say they will definitely get involved with the Green Deal, while a further 33 per cent say they will possibly get involved.

Commenting on the report, YouGov SixthSense research manager, Tom Rees, said: “Energy efficiency is clearly a priority for British homeowners, as many say they often feel cold in their homes and at the same time are struggling with the high-cost of heating. This report also found that most are aware of climate change and see it as a problem, and yet the Green Deal is still not on the radar of the majority of British homeowners. More needs to be done to make homeowners aware of their options when it comes to insulation.”