Efforts to create energy efficiency homes could help UK targets

The UK is not doing enough to meet its climate change targets and combat global warming, one organisation has insisted.

However, efforts to create a more energy efficient home could help households contribute towards the country's green efforts, in addition to driving down gas and electricity bills.

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales has declared that although many people are taking action to reduce the impact of their activities on the environment, more is needed by the country as a whole to reduce carbon footprints.

According to Kit Jones, CAT's information officer, the effort required to have a substantial effect on climate change "involves big changes in the way that we use energy and the way we generate useful energy".

He added that heating homes is one of the greatest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, something that can be addressed by investing in energy monitors to find out where consumption is highest and cutbacks could be made.

"If people are looking for one thing they should do, they should look at that first: improving your insulation, getting a more efficient boiler or even just turning the thermostat down and putting on a jumper can all make a difference," the expert noted.

In addition, Mr Jones cited transport, food and purchasing as key areas in which people can drive down their carbon footprints.

His remarks support a recent publication by Waste King outlining its eight top tips for people looking at ways of making their lifestyles greener.

The recommendations published by the collections, clearance and recycling expert included saving energy, water and petrol, which are all things that can also reduce households' spending, freeing up additional funds for other things.

It also pointed to the potential benefits offered by compact fluorescent light bulbs compared with traditional incandescent ones, unplugging appliances when they are not being used and washing clothes at lower temperatures.