With homes emitting a quarter of the UK's CO2 emissions, saving energy at home is a hot topic for environmentalists. But going green can also help increase your property's value.

 
Energy efficiency ratings

Home Information Packs (HIPs) have been made compulsory when selling homes of four bedrooms or more, and will be rolled out to all properties. A key element of the Pack, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will give your home an A-H rating - making it important to take steps towards energy efficiency in your home before you come to sell. Here are a few earth-friendly ideas that will make your home greener, and also increase its value.

 
Solar panels

If you're generating your own renewable energy, you'll have minimal or no electricty bills, and a clean, green source. Homes with solar panel installations will receive a higher EPC rating - and could even make you money through selling excess electricity to the National Grid. Not only are lower energy bills appealing to buyers, but you could attract a premium price for your property based on the unusual and unique style the solar panel itself creates.

 
Double glazing

As well as filtering out unwanted noise, double glazing is a great way of keeping heat in the home, allowing you to turn down your thermostat by one or two degrees.

Double glazing comes as standard in most new builds, putting single-glazed homes at a disadvantage when it comes to selling. Investing in double glazing could be a sensible move to boost your home's appeal in an increasingly competitive market. 

 
Loft insulation 

Because a large proportion of your home's heat is lost through the roof, insulating your loft could cut your energy bills by up to £200 a year. The greenest way to do this is by using insulation made from recycled paper, or processed sheep's wool.

Being able to market your home as being an eco-friendly, fully insulated property is likely to add thousands to the value of the home. It'll also help improve your EPC rating.

 
Overlooked areas

Propertyfinder's Jim Buckle believes that more unusual ways of making your home energy efficient shouldn't be overlooked:

"It is evident that energy efficiency is an increasing consideration among homeowners, with saving money a priority. Most people already take advantage of double-glazing, loft and boiler insulation – which generate some savings – yet few are taking advantage of the lesser-known measures.

Cavity wall and under-floor insulation as well as condensing boilers can generate much greater savings on fuel bills."

 
Condensing boilers 

A condensing boiler incorporates an extra heat exchanger which removes the heat from burning fuel and cools combustion products. The end result produces less carbon dioxide. After the initial investment, this type of boiler costs less to run, and you'll have lower energy bills in the long term.

 
Cavity walls

A third of all heat lost from an uninsulated home is lost through the walls, so this is a great energy saving investment. Cavity walls alone can save you up to £160 a year on your energy bills. The insulation costs around £260  so you'll start saving money in as little as two years - make sure prospective buyers are aware of this benefit.