Tradesmen who have taken renewable energy courses have been called on by a DIY organisation to help convert the UK's current housing stock to make it greener.

Andrew Leech, director at the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC), described how the UK has a "hell of a long way to go" in terms of energy efficiency in the home.

He suggested people with DIY training, such as those who have taken renewable energy courses, could prepare their own property for the introduction of green power devices like solar panels and wind turbines.

Mr Leech pointed out that they should ensure their home is as energy efficient as possible in order to gain the most benefit.

"There are other measures you could take such as ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps, but they are more complicated," he added.

The NHIC spokesperson made his comments in response to figures from the Renewable Energy Foundation showing the UK did not reach its ten per cent target last year, managing to produce just 6.5 per cent from sustainable sources.

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