Mike Ockenden, director-general of AHIPP, said: “Currently, 27 per cent of the country’s C02 emissions come from residential property. The introduction of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will offer an opportunity for us to tackle this figure and could prove a catalyst in significantly reducing carbon emission across the UK.
“The introduction of the EPC will provide every homebuyer with a comprehensive report on the cost of running their potential new home – information that up until now has not been readily available. The certificates, along with additional incentives suggested by the Minister, such as green mortgages and schemes to offer homebuyers cash to make energy saving alterations, will increase consumer awareness and will encourage homeowners to make a number of adjustments that will lead to savings – in both monetary and energy terms.
“It is a common misconception that it could prove very costly for consumers to make any changes to their homes without incurring huge costs that will not be recoupable for many years. However, there are a number of changes that consumers can make that will prove very cost effective.”
For example:
If a typical, 1930s three bedroom semi-detached property increased its loft insulation, put in place a good fitting hot water cylinder jacket and invested in cavity wall insulation, at a cost of around £1,200, the average energy bill for the property would fall by approximately £360 a year, resulting in a return on investment in just over three years.
The EU directive states that by 2009 every home that goes on the market will be required to have such an Energy Performance Certificate. HIPs wouldl ensure this is introduced two years ahead of schedule.
