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MPs 'must not block Energy Performance Certificates'

Posted: 17/05/2007

The most recent attempt to scupper the implementation of the controversial Home Information Packs (HIPs) failed yesterday after the Conservatives lost a vote in the House of Commons by 306 votes to 234. If passed, the legislation will mean that from June 1, homes put up for sale in England and Wales must have a HIP, which will include an Energy Performance Certificate, but the Bill goes to the Lords next week and another attempt will be made to ambush it there.

A coalition of environmental groups have warned MP's not to block the introduction of EPCs. Friends of the Earth, WWF-UK and CPRE are calling on MPs to ensure that EPCs go ahead as planned.

The campaigners support the introduction of the EPC, which will assess a home's energy efficiency and recommend cost-effective measures to improve its energy efficiency - and save on fuel bills too. Homes are responsible for over a quarter of UK carbon dioxide emissions, which have risen in the UK over recent years, despite Government promises of substantial cuts.

According to the Government the average homeowner could save up to £300 a year on fuel bills if they acted on the energy efficiency measures recommended in their EPC.

CRRE Head of Campaigns, Ben Stafford, said: "It is vital that MPs see the big picture. EPCs are an important practical tool to help cut emission from our homes. All parties must use today's vote as an opportunity to put their concerns about climate change into practice."

WWF-UK's Director of Campaigns, Paul King said: "Delaying HIPs could scupper one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation to affect households in recent years. EPCs are essential for helping the UK to meet its own emissions targets, and will save people money on their energy bills".

Campaigners also reject the recommendation of the Better Regulation Commission that EPCs should only be required once every ten years. The current proposal, to implement EPCs through HIPs, would require the EPC to be no more than three months old and therefore include much more up-to-date and accurate advice on cost-effective measures to improve energy efficiency (which is a requirement of the EU Directive that mandates the introduction of EPCs).

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