Revised regulations for Home Information Packs

Published 12th Jun 2007

The Government today published the revised regulations necessary to deliver Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Home Information Packs (HIPs) into the housing market on 1st August. As announced last month, EPCs and HIPs will be phased in starting with four bedroom homes and larger properties - rolling out to other sized properties once sufficient energy inspectors are in place to meet demand.

The Government expects to need 2,000 accredited assessors and inspectors to introduce EPCs and HIPs to three bedroom homes, with a total of 3,000 needed to cover the whole market. Latest figures supplied by accreditation agencies show there are currently over 1,000 accredited energy assessors and homes inspectors. This is above the threshold needed to introduce HIPs on August 1 for four bedroom homes and larger. More than 4,700 assessors and inspectors have passed their training exams.

EPCs and HIPs will help to tackle climate change by giving consumers the information they need to cut carbon emissions from homes and bring greater transparency to a home buying and selling process which is currently failing consumers. EPCs will also lay the foundation for many homeowners to be able to apply for grants of £100 to £300 to help with energy efficiency improvements such as loft insulation.

Yvette Cooper said: "Energy Performance Certificates are projected to save nearly a million tonnes of carbon per year by 2020, and help families to cut hundreds of pounds from their fuel bills. Homebuyers will for the first time get energy ratings on homes - similar to consumer friendly fridge ratings - as well as cost-effective measures that will help reduce the 27% of emissions that come from homes."

Energy Performance Certificates are supported by environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Energy Savings Trust.

Source: ' communities.gov.uk '

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