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Housebuyers could save 200 a year - new bill for green mortgage surveyors

6 February 1998

The Energy Efficiency Bill, a Private Members Bill presented by John Burnett MP (Lib Dem), will be debated in Parliament today (Friday 6 February). Over 270 MPs have given their backing to the Bill, which stands an excellent chance of becoming law.

The Bill also has strong backing from the public. A recent study by South Bank University revealed that 87% of home buyers would have liked such an energy rating for their home.A survey for the Department of the Environment said that 86% of buyers are likely to carry out energy improvements within two years of purchase.

Under the Bill, which is being promoted by FOE, the energy efficiency assessment will be carried out during the standard survey of the property. This is expected to add only around 5 minutes to the surveyors time and less than £10 to its cost.

The Energy Efficiency Bill will bring social, environmental and financial benefits:

  • According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average household can save up to £200 every year through energy efficient measures. Many measures entail little or no cost;

  • Around 600 jobs would be created making homes energy efficient;

  • Cost effective energy efficient measures in the home could cut carbon dioxide emissions by 63 million tonnes annually; around 11.5 % of total UK emissions.Carbon dioxide is a major climate changing gas. Other pollutants would also be cut.

Charles Secrett, Director of Friends of the Earth, said
"Providing house buyers with sensible and practical information on how to make their new homes more energy efficient makes obvious financial and environmental sense. Too much energy is being wasted. This is why the Energy Efficiency Bill, which starts to tackle the problem must be passed."

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust

 

 

Last modified: Jul 2008