A survey conducted by Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (N&P) has revealed that 74 per cent of people in Cambridgeshire said they were more likely to install energy-efficient features in their homes now, compared to this time last year.

This is higher than the rest of the region, where the average figure is 69 per cent.

It seems that the rising costs of gas, electricity and water are really starting to hurt, encouraging people to look for cheaper or more efficient methods of running their homes.

The survey was carried out among customers in the county to discover their views on "green" issues in order to mark the launch of N&P's annual Eco Self-Build competition, which is now in its seventh year.

The competition gives home owners who have undertaken an "eco self-build" the chance to win £5,000 in cash. The winner will be the entrant whose property has, in the opinion of the judges, the most positive impact on the environment.

N&P asked local people if they were ever to have a home built to their individual requirements, would they incorporate green features such as solar panels, a wind turbine, or ground source heat pumps?

An impressive 90 per cent of people in Cambridgeshire said that they would, which is higher than the neighbouring counties of Lincolnshire (83 per cent) and Suffolk (83 per cent).

Only the people of Norfolk were as keen, where 90 per cent also said they would opt for more energy efficient systems. Of the remaining 10 per cent, who said they would not use green features, nearly a third (30 per cent) said they were worried about cost and 40 per cent said they felt they did not know enough about it.

Some 24 per cent said they were "not interested" and the remaining six per cent did not give a reason.

Cambridgeshire respondents were also asked to rank 10 features in order of preference for inclusion in their "dream home".

Energy efficiency came second in the overall priority list at 70 per cent – beaten only by a designer kitchen (84 per cent).

Third on the list was a designer bathroom/wet room, while en suite facilities in all bedrooms was ranked fourth.

Of those polled, 63 per cent of people in Cambridgeshire said they would consider building their own home. Those aged between 31 and 50 were the age group most keen to get building, with 68 per cent saying they would consider a self-build. Six out of 10 of those aged under 30 also said they would like to build their own home, along with 49 per cent of over 50s.

N&P Eco Self-Build competition judge Chris Holey, who has 30 years' surveying experience, said he was pleased that more people were realising the need to use energy-saving systems and gadgets in running their homes more efficiently.

He said: "It is great to see that more people are considering making their homes more energy efficient.

"It is important that everyone does what they can to reduce their impact upon the environment, and I am encouraged by the findings of this survey.

"I hope that the winner of this year's Eco Self-Build competition will inspire others to improve their own homes. I'm looking forward to the judging."