Communities minister Iain Wright has described the energy performance effects of home information packs as extremely encouraging after nearly half of people surveyed said they wanted to know the energy efficiency of their home.

Speaking at the Association of Home Information Pack Providers’ annual conference he said the energy performance certificates that accompany HIPs give such impartial ratings for the first time. He said they would know where to go for advice on what to do next too.

He said recent Energy Saving Trust estimates show home owners could save £300 a year on their fuel bills with the certificates’ basic recommendations.

“Roughly half (48%) of those surveyed by the Trust wanted to know the energy efficiency rating of their home,” he said. “Almost a third (29%) said that the energy rating would influence their home buying decision, while 37% said they would act on the information. The EST’s ‘green barometer’ found 60% of people want tailored advice on energy saving, which is precisely what the certificate provides.”

He said some agents are encouraging consumers to act on the certificate and he urged continuation of this. The challenge is to make sure potential buyers see the pack and the energy rating as soon as the certificate is complete, he said.
www.communities.gov.uk/speeches