NI householders look to make homes low carbon

Householders in Northern Ireland are increasingly seeking low carbon solutions to help them cut back on their energy consumption, it has been revealed.

According to the Northern Ireland Energy Authority (NIEA), calls concerning how to go about cutting carbon in the home have doubled since this time last year, the Belfast Telegraph reports.

Nigel Brady, director of the organisation, remarked that people are looking to install energy saving devices.

He said: "A lot of people are looking at how they can make their homes low carbon, for example, by putting solar water panels on their roofs.

"As energy costs rise, the cost of installing these technologies decreases."

Indeed, energy costs were cited as one of the main factors that motivate people to call in and seek advice, Mr Brady said.

He added that concerns over fuel poverty are rising, while the need to increase efficiency is climbing the agenda due to the upcoming introduction of energy performance certificates.

Solar water heating can save 350kg of CO2 and £50 per year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.