18 December 2006
Researchers from the University of Cambridge's electricity policy research group (EPRG) have discovered that while the younger generation are the most passionate when talking about the effect of climate change, it is the older generations who take eco-friendly action.
Buying energy efficient light bulbs, insulating their homes and lowering their thermostats were among the green efforts of the older generations, with over two-thirds of all of the respondents saying they would support wind farms even if situated in their own locality.
It would appear that even the environmentally conscious members of society are swayed by cheaper prices however, with only 4% of those who had switched their energy supplier citing greener energy as the reason.
By comparison, over 90% of those who switched said it was to take advantage of cheaper tariffs.
Dr David Reiner, report author and course director of the MPhil in technology policy at the University of Cambridge's Judge Business School, commented that the report showed that the British public were now displaying a "real engagement" with green energy issues.
"There is a willingness to support government policies, but even those groups that are the strongest supporters of policy action do not translate this support into their personal energy saving behaviour.
"They show a clear divergence between their views as citizens and their actions as consumers," he added.
Making small changes to your gas and electricity use can help save the planet and save you money too. Read tips on how to be more energy efficientRead tips on energy efficiency and see if you can Save by switching your gas and electricity supplier by using uSwitch.com's free and impartial comparison and switching service.
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