As the Green Deal for households launches, a survey uncovers that some business owners are already aware of it and plan to use it.

The scheme aimed especially at businesses was launched last October. The results of a survey of over 2,000 respondents conducted by Rexel UK over three months later, indicates that it is slowly building awareness.

When questioned, 17% of business owner respondents were aware that the Green Deal is applicable to business.

Of these, 72% said that they plan to make use of a Green Deal loan, which represents 12.24% of the total.

When asked which energy efficient measures they are investing in:

• 18% said LED lighting;
• 10% said window glazing;
• 9% said insulation or draught proofing;
• 1% said biomass boilers;
• 1% said automated systems and controls.

The same poll also questioned people about the Green Deal for households. It found that:

• 96% of Brits have never heard of or do not understand the Green Deal;
• 69% are interested in making energy efficiency improvements to their home;
• 74% wouldn’t know where to go for information if they wanted to find out more about the Green Deal;
• 13% think investing in energy efficiency measures with a Green Deal loan will cost them more in the long run;
• 56% don’t know whether investing in energy efficiency measures with a Green Deal loan will save them money;
• 48% say it is important to them that their employer is eco-friendly.

While this indicates that a lot of work is needed to boost awareness of the scheme, and confidence that it will meet is aims, it also shows that, three months after the launch of the scheme for business, awareness is significant.

The Green Deal is intended to be around for up to 20 years.

At its launch, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said: "The Green Deal will help thousands of homes stay warm for less. Those people will benefit from energy saving improvements and their energy bills will fall. The UK green sector is a success story. It is the sixth largest in the world and has a crucial part to play in building a strong economy.

"The Green Deal will support thousands of jobs, not just over the next few years, but in the long-term."

_{Story: David Thorpe, News Editor}