Research published today (17 September) by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) claims that Green Deal assessments are helping householders across England and Wales to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
From a sample of households that had a Green Deal assessment, it was found that 81% of people have already, are in the process of, or intend to install at least one energy efficiency home improvement. Altogether 56% of households have already introduced at least one measure. A further 6% are in the process of having something installed, while 19% said they intend to have something installed.

The research found that 78% of people said their Green Deal assessment was highly useful; 82% of people had confidence in the recommendations made by their assessor; and 72% of people said they would recommend a Green Deal assessment to friends and family.

In addition, the new study shows the range of different methods people are using to pay for work following a Green Deal assessment. Some are supported via the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and others are using savings or regular income.

There is also evidence that an increasing number of households plan to use Green Deal finance, with 24% of those planning to install measures indicating they intend to take out a Green Deal Plan.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey said: 'Green Deal assessments are proving to be extremely valuable and are leading to householders investing in energy saving measures. Some people are using Green Deal finance; others are paying in different ways.

'The Green Deal is a completely new, ambitious and long-term programme. It's still early days but the results from this latest research really underline that people want to take action to make their homes warmer and more efficient, and to keep their bills down.'

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: 'This new research further demonstrates that most people are finding Green Deal assessments to be helpful. It also underlines the desire to save money on energy bills as a main motivator for having an assessment.'

Of the people surveyed, 61% said their motivation for having an assessment was to save money on energy bills. 78% said it was clear which energy saving improvements were recommended during the assessment and 74% of respondents said it was clear what the improvements would entail. 73% said the next steps following an assessment were clear.

The research was conducted from a survey of 500 households that had a Green Deal assessment between 1 April and 30 June 2013.