Energy Performance of Buildings - A European Directive

In 1997, many countries around the world recognised the growing problems of ever increasing levels of greenhouse gasses and agreed to take action to reduce this problem (Read or watch: Al Gore "An Inconvenient Truth"). Most of the world's major nations except China and USA signed up to this Kyoto Protocol - In 2009,the Copenhagen Summit extended the CO2 targets,

As buildings are responsible for up to 50% of ALL energy consumed in the UK, it is vital that buildings and homes are made more energy efficient. As most will still be in use in 2050 it naturally follows that existing homes have to be improved and the energy assessment is already causing this.

2009 was the Year when not only private and rented homes and flats, but also public and commercial buildings (including shops and offices) must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPCs) and with the oil prices of 2008 to the present, there are few who cannot see the merits of the system.

HIPs (Home Information Packs) were suspended in May 2010 pending abolition later that year by the LIB Dem- Con alliance. THEY  ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED - a shame really as, be assured, had they been implemented properly as planned they would have made the Home buying process both cheaper and faster in the long run.

One thing is for sure: The success of energy labels for consumer products such as fridges and washing machines is indisputable. In 1999 only 2% of fridges and freezers being sold in the UK were A rated. Only 7 years on in 2006, more than 65% of these appliances are A-Rated.

That’s the power of informing the consumer before they buy!

Unlike white goods, applying energy labelling to buildings are not quite as easy, they are already produced and last a long time. Consequently, there will be a major proportion that are D and E rated from the start and will find it difficult to improve without taking some measures .

Click on "Energy facts & tips" above and there are several NO COST tips that are easy and instant, and will save money  right away.