An advisory body has urged European countries to speed up the building of energy efficient homes.

The European Energy Network (ENR) has said that governments across the continent must increase the pace of the development of homes that do not produce carbon emissions.

Its warning comes after the organisation published a report which looked at the efforts currently being made by EU member states on developing green homes.

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of Britain's Energy Saving Trust (EST), an ENR member, told the BBC: "One implication of our findings is that the European Commission needs to take some leadership and set a timetable for all new buildings around Europe to be zero-carbon."

He added: "In the UK, the average home has the potential to save £300 per year by just installing the most effective measures such as loft insulation and modern heating controls."

Ensuring that homes have double glazing can also save money for homeowners as well as reduce damage to the environment.

© Adfero Ltd

Author:  Joanne McCabe

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