Press release
Homeownership switches on Brits’ green radar, but renters are pledging to catch up.
New research from Tescocompare.com, the car and home insurance comparison site, shows that homeownership does influence Brit’s green credentials. According to Tescocompare.com’s ‘Green Gauger’ report, over two thirds of homeowners (68%) see themselves as environmentally friendly, compared to 57% of renters who state they are green. A worrying one in four (24%) of renters classify themselves as not very green.
While both groups name general concerns about the environment as the biggest driver to go green, homeowners are understandably much more motivated to go green if it results in saving them money. 53% of homeowners name money savings as the biggest encouragement to go green, compared to only 41% of people who are currently renting their homes. High energy and fuel prices are also much more important for homeowners, with 54% of them citing this as a motivator to increase their green credentials. In comparison, only 37% of renters name the same factor as a driver to go green.
What will motivate you to go green?| Motivators | Homeowners | Renters |
| Concerns about the environment in general | 56% | 51% |
| High energy/ fuel prices | 54% | 37% |
| I want to create a better environment for the next generation | 54% | 50% |
| Growing green will save me money | 53% | 41% |
| Natural resources are growing scarce/ running out | 48% | 43% |
| Shortage of landfill sites | 35% | 26% |
| Air pollution | 34% | 34% |
| I’m forced to go green (eg council insists I separate my household) | 25% | 20% |
While homeowners currently clearly lead the way in being Britain’s ‘green force’, there may be a shift in sight in the future. 44% of renters pledge that they will be doing more to reduce their personal impact on the environment over the next six months, compared to only 38% of homeowners.
Paul Baxter, Director of Commercial and Partnerships at Tescocompare.com comments: "Our research offers an interesting insight into the different triggers that encourage people to go green. Homeownership clearly is an important point in people’s life when they re-consider their impact on the environment. With mortgage rates on the rise, inflation on the up and utility bills believed to increase by up to 40% by the end of this year, it is not surprising to see that homeowners are taking swift action to take advantage of the money savings to be had through being green."
Opinium Research LLP carried out an online poll of 2114 British adults between 25th and 28th February 2008. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.
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