Energy Rating Certificate
From June 2007, all homes in the UK must have an energy efficiency rating before they can be sold. The government says this move, which is in line with European agreements, will help the UK reduce its carbon emissions.
The Energy Performance Certificate will form part of the Home Information Packs, to be introduced next year. Inspectors will evaluate the current and potential energy efficiency of each home, giving a rating from A to G. The report will also list measures the home owner could undertake to improve the rating.
Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said that people should be entitled to have information on energy costs before buying a home, drawing a parallel with the energy ratings available for various white goods such as fridges and boilers. Ms Cooper said,
By providing people with sound advice on how to improve energy efficiency this will help sellers and buyers who want to do their bit to cut carbon emissions as well as cutting their fuel bills too.
Comments
Market forces will determine the cost of the Energy Cert. as it will for HCR's but I suspect that many vendors will find that the HI's are likely to charge £ 100-150 for Energy Cert. The £400 or whatever cost of a full HCR will then seem quite good value for money.
Posted by: Lyftor | August 19, 2006 10:00 AM