Most consumers trending towards eco-friendly features in homes

Energy-efficient appliances are a top feature for more than 90% of consumers looking to purchase a new home.

According to a recent report from porch.com, those looking for more eco-friendly items is second only to work commute time on a list of priorities for a new property. And that’s not surprising, more than three-quarters of respondents reported that they believe everyone is responsible to help combat climate change.

But a majority of people have begun to make some changes. More than 70% of respondents reported they have already installed energy-efficient appliances, and 65% said they have monitored their energy consumption. More than half have kept an eye on their water usage and 40% have purchased a smart device to control temperatures when out of the home. Homeowners have also put in new features to reduce the impact of nature disasters. Nearly two-thirds have added new insulation to help with extreme heat or cold, 60.4% have put in new windows for extreme temperatures and more than half keep their home free of flammable debris in the case of a wildfire. Nearly 30% of homebuyers think of climate change when they are searching for their perfect property.

The easiest ways to fight climate change that people reported doing include using LED lightbulbs, using a resuable water bottle, recycling paper and plastic, using rechargable batteries and using reusable shopping bags. A few habits or features most people have considered, but haven’t done yet, include installing solar panels, carpooling to work, buying an electric car, attending a local cleanup and starting a compost bin.

Where do most people draw the line on personal sacrifices to combat climate change? Those include becoming vegan or vegetarian, using a shower timer, bringing a resuable straw to restaurants and walking or riding a bike to work.