A member of the Scottish parliament has lodged a revised version of a bill aimed at encouraging increased energy-efficiency in homes.

Sarah Boyack claims that people who install wind turbines or solar panels on their homes should be given discounts on their council tax bills, and the same could apply to those who apply other energy-saving measures such as roof insulation.

All new houses would also have to include a form of green energy production to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions, a move which would also help to cut energy bills for homeowners.

Ms Boyack cited government figures which claim 30 to 40 per cent of electricity could come from such forms of micro-generation in the future.

"For a three bed, semi-detached house it costs £250 to install cavity wall insulation, yet the annual savings are £173 on energy bills every year thereafter," she told the Edinburgh News.

The MSP also pointed out that solar panels and miniature wind turbines can be purchased from high street stores, confirming that there is a market for such energy-saving devices.

Councils around the nation are recognising the importance of assisting homeowners with green home improvements.

For example, residents of Pwllheli in north-west Wales can obtain council-funded cavity wall and loft insulation if they suffer from fuel poverty.

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Author:  Joanne McCabe

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