Archived press release

Energy Performance Certificates: one third say they will act on green advice

6 March 2008

A new survey published today showing that nearly one third of new home-buyers plan to carry out some of the energy saving recommendations in their Home Information Packs (HIPs), has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth. But the environmental organisation warned that without greater financial incentives homeowners are much less likely to turn their intentions into action, and called on the Government to regulate to ensure that EPCs are provided to all prospective buyers when a property is first put on the market.

The recommendations are part of the Energy Performance Certificates element of HIPs, which assesses the energy efficiency of the property. Today's survey was carried out IPSOS MORI for the Communities and Local Government Department.

Friends of the Earth's Green Home campaigner, Dave Timms, said

“This survey shows that EPCs can play a powerful role in encouraging homeowners to improve the energy efficiency their property. If they act on this information they will save money on energy bills and cut their carbon emissions. However there is a big difference between knowing what you can do and actually doing it. The Government must introduce a range of tax breaks to make people more willing to act on this information. The Chancellor promised to put sustainability at the heart of next week's Budget. With over a quarter of UK carbon emissions coming from our homes, Mr Darling must make it cheaper and easier for us all to go green."

Friends of the Earth is calling for the Chancellor to announce a range of measures to cut carbon dioxide emissions. These include:

• A stamp duty rebate for people installing renewable technologies or energy efficiency measures in their homes

• Funds for councils to give council tax rebates for people installing energy efficiency measures in their homes

• An increased tax break to encourage landlords to invest in making their properties energy efficient

• Reduce VAT on refurbishment of properties to a high environmental standard.

• A feed-in-tariff guaranteeing a long-term premium price for renewable electricity generated in people's homes and by businesses

• A 1 billion fund for the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, with a 50 per cent grant to help householders with the up-front capital costs of installing renewable technologies

Friends of the Earth's blueprint for a greener Budget

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

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust