Eco-friendly constructions 'worth more'

Homeowners considering building a conservatory or glazed extension may want to make their home improvement as energy-efficient as possible after figures from the US showed greener buildings can procure a higher fee.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) study of buildings across the pond found that eco-friendly structures commanded rental premiums of three per cent per sq foot compared to less efficient ones.

When it comes to selling, green construction seems to pay too - Rics noted a 16 per cent increase in value.

Chief economist Simon Rubinsohn explained that the research was important evidence to support the benefits of green practices in construction.

"Previously with only anecdotal evidence available on which to base decisions surrounding development of energy efficient buildings, it is understandable that the uptake of some measures has been frustratingly slow," he said.

Mr Rubinsohn added that the benefits of having an eco-friendly building could soon lead to non-green ones becoming a thing of the past.

Rics yesterday warned against taking the Bank of England's positive mortgage lending figures as a sign of a market revival.