New research from the Energy Saving Trust (EST) has revealed that tenants in private rented accommodation want to go green but are least likely to be benefitting from energy efficient, money saving upgrades.
According to the survey of more than 2,000 UK adults living in privately rented housing, 39% were interested in an energy efficient boiler upgrade; 44% were keen on double glazing and 45% showed an interest in insulation.

Research shows that homes in private rented accommodation with cavity walls are least likely to have cavity wall insulation fitted (34%) compared with homes owned outright or mortgaged (51%), EST says.

However, the biggest opportunity for the private rented sector is solid wall insulation, with nearly half of homes being suitable for this measure, which is approved to receive funding under the ECO as part of the Green Deal.

Housing strategy manager at the Energy Saving Trust, David Weatherall, said: 'This is a win-win situation for both landlords and tenants. Landlords get home improvements without the upfront costs, and tenants have warmer homes to live in.'

'The problem's been that more than half of private rented homes were built before 1944. They're often cold, expensive to heat and most have traditional solid walls. In the past there have been few grants to improve insulation in these solid wall homes. But now, substantial financial support for solid wall insulation is available to all GB private landlords under the ECO grant scheme, which is linked to the Green Deal.'

Energy Saving Trust's UK databank of home-by-home information allows organisations and installers to target the right homes with advice about the right energy saving improvements at the right time.

Following the launch of Green Deal and ECO, the Energy Saving Trust is urging tradespeople and builders undertaking refurbishment work in the private rented sector to encourage landlords to consider green upgrades and allow them to take advantage of the schemes.

Mr Weatherall said: 'We have detailed information on what is happening with the UK's housing stock - some of the leakiest in Europe - and where. We know which homes are likely to be rented privately, and which of those require energy efficiency upgrades that could benefit the landlord and their tenants. This helps ensure installers only target the homes most in need of energy efficiency improvements under the Green Deal.'

All installers need to acquire Green Deal Installer certification to offer energy saving improvements through the Green Deal. Energy Saving Trust is the only consumer-facing organisation providing Green Deal Installer certification.

For more information visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk