The E.ON Changing Energy Report was designed to provide insights into how the UK views energy and the environment, today and in the future.

The E.ON Changing Energy Research Report (PDF, 1.87MB)

Among the main findings were:

• British children are seven times more likely to say they’re worried about global warming than they are about crime and violence. Adults rate concern over the environment as second only to concern about crime.
• British children say they are undertaking more ‘green’ activities at home than at school. Adults think school is the best place to educate children on the environment.
• Children’s favourite way to change energy is to walk to school. They also believe renewable energy sources are the way forward.
• Teenagers believe all energy should come from green sources.
• The majority of Britons (77%) believe that people are having a destructive impact on the environment.
• A third of adults claim not to know how they can make a personal difference to reducing their impact on the environment. Aside from recycling, energy efficient light bulbs and insulation, many people don’t know what practical and tangible actions they can take.
• Britons tend to save energy to save money, rather than for ethical or environmental reasons. Measures such as turning off lights or keeping the heat down are often seen as a way to keep bills down than to help the environment.
• Britons prefer renewable energy options such as offshore wind and wave power to such schemes as personal carbon allowances or community power stations. There is also some uncertainty over the benefits and costs of renewable options.
• People are looking for leadership on energy and the environment, but are not finding it. There is a lack of trust towards many organisations and institutions.

Methodology

The E.ON Changing Energy Report is based on the results of telephone, and face-to-face surveys and qualitative workshops, with adults and children.

The research was designed to provide insights into how the UK views energy and the environment, today and in the future. Quantitative research in the form of surveys provides a statistical read on views and perceptions, whilst the qualitative sessions add extra colour and context to the findings.