New property regulations 'to improve energy conservation'

Posted: 10 Oct 2006 15:38:13 GMT

The introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) is expected to boost energy conservation within the residential property sector, a report claims.

The introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) is expected to boost energy conservation within the residential property sector, a report claims.

Research by the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIIPP) suggests that EPC will have immediate results, dramatically reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Residential property in Britain currently accounts for 27 per cent of all CO2 emissions and the association is backing a pledge by housing minister Yvette Cooper to use new Home Information Packs (HIP) to improve energy conservation rates.

Government and environmental schemes are likely to offer increasing incentives for homeowners to reduce the amount of energy they use and the amount of waste created by their properties.

AHIPP director general, Mike Ockenden, said: "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."

A recent EU directive, which comes into force by 2009, will require every home that goes on the market to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and the certificates will form part of new HIPs from next year.

Those seeking to improve the energy conservation of their property, and potentially raise its market price, should install loft insulation, a good hot water cylinder jacket and cavity wall insulation.

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