| 04 September 2006
New energy efficiency certificates for homes to be included in the homebuyer information packs.The new certificates will provide a clear indication to buyers on the energy efficiency of a property - with ratings much like the energy efficiency labels provided on electrical goods. They will also show how home owners can improve the energy efficiency of their new home by improving their insulation, for example by installing double glazing, fitting loft or cavity wall insulation or investing in a condensing boiler. As many people plan to make improvements to houses just after purchase, this is a good time to provide such information.
Friends of the Earth Climate Campaigner Germana Canzi said:
"Energy efficiency certificates will provide really useful information for house buyers and should provide a long-term incentive to taking action to save energy in the home. Poor insulation can mean families are spending hundreds of pounds heating the atmosphere - and contributing to climate change.
"It is good that the Government has finally grasped the nettle on this issue but they must now go further and introduce a mandatory code to make new homes low carbon. We need to reduce our emissions across all sectors, as we are calling for with The Big Ask campaign, if we are to make real progress on tackling climate change."