Archived press release

Home Packs: Green groups urge MPs not to delay Energy Performance Certificates

16 May 2007

MPs must not delay the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), a coalition of environmental groups warned today. Friends of the Earth, WWF-UK and CPRE are calling on MPs to ensure that EPCs go ahead as planned on 1June.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are due to be introduced as part of Home Information Packs (HIPs). MPs will vote on whether or not to delay the introduction of HIPs later today (Wednesday). Campaigners are concerned that, despite all the major parties stating that they are committed to EPCs [1], any Parliamentary action to derail HIPS would delay EPCs. The groups are urging MPs not to vote against HIPs.

From 1 June anyone selling a property must obtain an 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. Our homes are responsible for over a quarter of UK carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions 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.

Friends of the Earth's Green Homes campaigner Dave Timms said:

"Our homes are responsible for around a quarter of UK carbon dioxide emissions. Energy Performance Certificates will help householders cut fuel bills and help tackle climate change. MPs must not delay the introduction of EPCs on 1 June."

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."

Notes

1. Earlier this month Michael Gove, the Shadow Housing Minister [2] wrote to Friends of the Earth and WWF-UK saying "We are absolutely in favour of Energy Performance Certificates... But while we want to debate the whole package, and stop HIPs being implemented in the form they currently take, we shall not use our vote to impede prompt and effective EPC implementation." Letter available from Friends of the Earth press office

2. The Government claims that there are enough inspectors to carry out EPCs.

3. Campaigners 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 a requirement of the EU Directive that mandates the introduction of EPCs).

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