London homes 'set to go green'

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced the launch of a campaign which aims to improve the energy efficiency of some 200,000 properties in the capital by 2012.

Under the scheme, properties will be offered a free green makeover, which will include the installation of energy efficient lighting.

The boroughs set to benefit from the free scheme are Croydon, Camden, Lewisham, Harrow, Havering, Haringey, Hillingdon, Kingston and Southwark, although residents across the rest of the UK may feel inspired by the news to carry out their own green property makeover.

Indeed, Britons living in the North West of the UK - where it is typically colder than in the capital - could wish to top up their insulation by investing in new double glazing ( http://www.force8.co.uk/index.php ) and composite doors.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, double glazing ( http://www.force8.co.uk/index.php ) can reduce the amount of heat lost through windows ( http://www.force8.co.uk/index.php ) by 50 per cent.

Meanwhile, as composite doors are less likely to crack and warp in cold, wet weather than timber front doors they too can boost a home's insulation.

Force 8 the North West's leading window and door installer.

Written by Ted Powell