Almost half of Connaught householders want to make their home more sustainable

Almost half of people in Connacht (42%) say their relationship with their home has changed over the last year, and three-quarters say they now value their home now more than ever.

That’s according to new research by Bord Gáis Energy, services and energy provider to homes and businesses.

The research into attitudes towards our homes reveals that while we value it more than ever, 47% plan to make changes to their property this year.

The research was carried to celebrate the launch of Bord Gáis Energy’s new brand positioning – 'Imagine a better way'. As part of this new positioning, Bord Gáis Energy aims to imagine better ways for customers to live, work and enjoy their free time; whether that’s through helping customers live more sustainably with smart energy saving plans and innovative products solutions, or providing exclusive rewards through the Bord Gáis Energy Rewards Club.

Thinking about making their interiors suitable for the future, 45% say they want to upgrade their house to make it more sustainable and energy efficient.

Householders in Connaught now see their home as not just a place to reside but a place to live, work and make the most of their free time. Post Covid-19, 37% say they see themselves continuing to spend more family time spend at home, 22% say they intend to keep working from their property, while a fifth (19%) will keep entertaining and socialising at home.

Having spent the last 12 months indoors, it’s perhaps no surprise that almost half (47%) of households in Connaught want to make changes to their garden and outdoor spaces. Almost two-thirds (63%) cited it as the place where they relax and 21% say they have now started to enjoy al-fresco dining in their garden over the last year.

Commenting on the launch of the new positioning, Colin Bebbington, retail director with Bord Gáis Energy, said: “The energy sector is changing and evolving, as are our customers’ lives, which are now more complex than ever. Customers want more from their energy provider; more sustainable solutions, smarter products and services, all coupled with unrivalled expertise and value. That’s why at Bord Gáis Energy we’re committed to imagining a better way for our customers by offering sustainable, affordable, and simple services and solutions.

“As we transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, customers can expect to see new thinking, new innovations and upgraded solutions around energy management from us while knowing that the energy they use to power today is being brought to them by the people who are thinking about how to manage that energy to protect tomorrow.”

To inspire householders, Bord Gáis Energy has teamed up with a panel of well-known home experts – TV gardener Peter Dowdall, award winning and internationally renowned interior designer Suzie McAdam and former resident quantity surveyor on RTÉ’s Room to Improve, Lisa O’Brien – to host ‘Imagine a better way at home’, a virtual event taking place on Wednesday, July 21, from 12 to 1 p.m.

The panel of experts will share their top tips and expert advice on how to get the most out of your redesigns and renovation projects whether you’re imagining redoing your garden to trying to make your home more sustainable. The event is free and to secure your place, simply register at http://www.imagineabetterway.eventbrite.ie.