The UK is experiencing a garden-renovation boom post-lockdown, with seven in 10 homeowners (68%) vowing to imminently (in the next three months) alter any outdoor space they have to include more greenery, according to a new study by national construction supplier Burton Roofing.
Despite the cost of materials (68%) cited as the main consideration of any outdoor project, six in 10 homeowners (61%) revealed they would actually be happy to stretch their budget a little further and pay more for tools and materials if they were more eco-friendly. Three in 10 homeowners (29%) will also consider the long-term environmental impact of their work before commencing with their garden improvement project.
The study of 2,500 homeowners follows chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement of a £3bn green investment package, that included plans to decarbonise public buildings and cut emissions from Britain’s poorly insulated homes.
The research suggests that 25 to 34-year olds are particularly concerned with the environmental impact of any outdoor home improvements they make, with two fifths (40%) suggesting they would look into the sustainability of their materials, compared to only 16% of 45-54 year olds.
Men (35%) are also more likely to consider the environmental impact than women (24%), when planning a renovation project.
Bristolians are leading the charge when paying that little bit more for eco-friendly materials, with 80% willing to pay more for sustainable options. Glaswegians (71%) and Londoners (69%) are also keen, whilst the people of Southampton (35%) were the least willing to spend any extra for something eco-friendly.
% of homeowners who will pay extra for eco-friendly materials and tools
- Bristol: 80%
- Glasgow: 71%
- London: 69%
- Birmingham: 67%
- Leeds: 59%
- Manchester: 59%
- Liverpool: 55%
- Norwich: 54%
- Sheffield: 53%
- Nottingham: 53%
- Newcastle: 50%
- Cardiff: 48%
- Edinburgh: 45%
- Southampton: 35%
Homeowners from London (44%) are the most likely to consider the long-term environmental impact of their outdoor home project, with Bristol (40%) and Sheffield (34%) residents also deeming this important. Edinburgh residents (5%) were recorded as being the least likely to consider this.
But how do you really ‘go green’ in your garden?
Gena Lorainne, a gardening and landscaping expert, recommends five things that homeowners should consider buying/installing when creating an eco-friendly garden or outdoor space:
- A composting bin
- A rainwater harvesting tank
- Bird nest boxes
- Sustainable furniture
- A bee hotel
Paul Hattee, Managing Director at Burton Roofing said, “It is fantastic to see so many UK homeowners putting their mind towards an outdoor constructive project during what is a difficult time for everyone. Green spaces are vital for our mental and physical well-being, so it is natural that many want to make their outdoor spaces greener.”