It is calling on Government to adopt a blanket policy which would see this technology installed in all new homes to further improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s new housing stock, while bringing the industry closer to the Government’s ambitious eco targets.

The campaign comes amidst concerns that the UK is falling behind other European countries, such as Spain, which already have legislation in place to ensure solar thermal technology is installed in new homes.

Solar thermal is one of the few tried and tested eco technologies currently on the market, able to provide up to 70% of a home’s hot water requirements, making it one of the simplest and most cost effective ways to significantly increase energy efficiency across new housing stock.

Kevin Brennan, Head of Sustainability for VELUX Company Ltd:

“Housebuilders are under increasing pressure to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, with ambitious Government targets to make all homes zero carbon by 2016. However, the UK is currently lagging behind Europe when it comes to building energy efficient homes.

"A blanket policy, such as the one in Spain, which demands that all new homes, which can benefit from solar thermal, have this technology installed, is a necessary step for the UK. If our Government is really serious about reducing the current carbon emissions released from our homes then it needs to introduce similar legislation now."