Insulating wallpaper is just one of the items that could make homes more environmentally friendly. This finding comes in a report from the Future Laboratory, the trend forecaster for multinationals such as L’Oréal and Tesco.

The report also mentions the possibility of transformable furniture that can multi-task and of the time when the home becomes “an efficient machine”, rather than the source of high levels of carbon emissions. However, there are increasing signs that homeowners do not want to wait for such technological advances and want to ensure that their properties are more energy-efficient now and that furnishings are ethically sourced.

Sean Allam, the head of product sourcing at John Lewis, says that the majority of customers are now interested in a product’s provenance but know little about what to look for. “Energy consumption and wood usage are high up on consumers’ list of worries, so we focus on these areas,” he says. “The store is, for example, phasing out PVC from its packaging.” Allam’s top three insider tips for buying furniture responsibly are:

1. Look for rubberwood, a byproduct of the rubber industry. Also bamboo which grows fast, replenishing itself.

2. When buying furniture, look for a label that explains where the timber comes from. If there is no information, the wood may well be irresponsibly sourced.

3. Avoid an excess of PVC packaging, which is still common, although PVC is virtually non-recyclable.

The following websites can help homeowners to identify how much work and expenditure are needed to transform a draughty semi into an “energy-efficient machine”: aecb.net lists environmentally aware builders, and greenregister.org.uk has details of eco-conscious architects, gardeners and interior designers, organised by postcode. Greenspec.co.uk compares and reviews green building materials, while greenmoves.com and whatgreenhome.com are specialist eco-home estate agents.

Britisheco.com, energysavingtrust.org.uk and waterwise.org.uk have tips on generating your own electricity, water conservation and household carbon emissions.

For more eco options and green living, visit the Eco Home exhibition (until Feb 7) at the Geffrye Museum, London E2, geffrye-museum.org.uk

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