Energy efficiency in the home is "vital" if the UK is to meet its carbon reduction targets, one expert has said.
Former environment minister Malcolm Wicks has explained that homeowners need to take advantage of government proposals to provide support for efficient renovations.
Installing cavity wall
insulation and updating boilers will not only reduce carbon emissions, but will also help households to
save money, he said in an interview with the Green Guardian.
Commenting on the Department of Energy and Climate Change's plan to provide financial support for efficient improvements, Mr Wicks said: "Energy efficiency is vital. Households are, on average, losing up to £300 a year because of poor energy efficiency at home."
He added that the proposals put forward by Ed Miliband will encourage more homeowners to invest in energy-saving products.
"People are more likely to make this radical shift for themselves if the government gives households the support they need," Mr Wicks commented.
"All of this will need action by the government. It will mean changes house to house, street to street. It also needs action by people. Individual households will take decisions about their own homes."
