home inspector.co.uk newspages..

Energy one-stop shop needed for consumers

If energy demand and carbon emissions are to be reduced, the Government must continue to show vigorous leadership according to a recent statement by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Presenting evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee inquiry into climate change, RICS has also called for an energy one-stop shop for consumers. It proposes an information web-portal providing recommendations on energy efficiency.

Commenting on the news, Chartered Surveyor and Chief Executive of Home Inspectors .co.uk Stephen Callaghan said: "We support the views of the RICS and join them in urging the Government to crank-up its activity in raising the awareness of the general public to energy efficiency of housing. Homes are a major contributor to carbon emissions and focusing attention on this sector is absolutely vital. This is especially important as homeowners begin to prepare for the introduction of mandatory Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) as part of the Home Information Pack (HIP) across England and Wales from June 2007. In fact, many homeowners are already looking to websites such as our own to provide them with tips about how they can make their homes more energy efficient."

RICS also called on the Government to act to improve building regulations so they were in line with the best European and international standards, and for refinement of the planning system to make it easier to install wind turbines and roof top solar panels.

Brian Berry, head of policy at RICS, said: "Households are unaware of their carbon footprint. The Government would be well advised to introduce a one-stop shop where consumers can see how they can reduce their carbon footprint, be more energy efficient and save money. Behavioural changes will be necessary if Britain is to reach its targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. But consumers cannot be expected to act alone, the Government must shake off its complacency and help to educate the population on energy efficiency. The UK Government needs to be much more assertive if we are to believe it is serious about reducing UK carbon dioxide emissions."

The government say that the introduction of mandatory Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) from June 2007 will mean that up to 4,500 home inspectors (HI) or domestic energy assessors (DEA) will be needed to service the HIPs requirement. Find out more about becoming a home inspectors or domestic energy assessor.

Novemeber 2006