According to the data, there are just 22 counties where the total CO2 emissions per capita come in below the national average of 4.9 tonnes a year, with just eight of these also offering more affordable property values when compared to the national average.
At just £120,228, County Durham is the most affordable spot to buy a home for those who may be conscious of their carbon footprint. The county sees just 4.5 tonnes of carbon emissions generated per person each year and is 57% more affordable to buy a home versus the national average.
In fact, the North East is home to the top two most affordable options for a low carbon lifestyle. The average property price in Tyne and Wear is just £157,163, 44% below the national average, while the average person in the county generates just 4.2 tonnes of C02 per year.
Merseyside (4.3) and West Yorkshire (4.7) are also home to below-average carbon emissions while property values come in 38% and 35% under the national average respectively.
However, Northumberland is the county to head for, for those who value their carbon footprint first and a bricks and mortar bargain second.
The average person in Northumberland generates just 2.1 tonnes of C02 emissions per year - by far the lowest level of all counties. What’s more, at £184,928, the county is also home to some of the lowest house prices in the land, coming in 34% below the national average.
Greater Manchester, the Isle of Wight and Cornwall complete the list of counties offering both below-average property prices and a below-average carbon footprint.
James Forrester, Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, commented: “As a nation, we’re becoming increasingly more aware of our impact on the planet and the vital role we play in making a difference. This is no different when it comes to our homes and there are a wealth of things we can do in order to make a change. These range from improving energy efficiency, using greener energy, growing our own food and doing away with single-use plastics, to name but a few.
"However, it can feel like an uphill struggle at times and so purchasing a property in an area with far lower carbon emissions is a good place to start for those who want to surround themselves with like-minded individuals. The good news is, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg and there are a number of counties where both CO2 emissions and property prices sit below the national average.”
