Hips highlight poor energy ratings in UK homes

Posted: 12 Sep 2007 11:15:33 GMT

The average four-bedroom home is scoring badly when it comes to energy ratings.

The average four-bedroom home is scoring badly when it comes to energy ratings.

Figures from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) show that most properties of this size have been given an E ranking in the new Energy Performance certificates (EPC).

EPCs form part of Home information packs (Hips) which were introduced for properties with four or more bedrooms from August 1st.

Most homeowners are finding that they could save themselves hundreds of pounds by making just a few changes.

Paul Broadhead, deputy director general at the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (Ahipp), said that consistent low ratings are bad news but show the importance of having mandatory Hips and EPCs.

"Today's government report is testament to the energy efficiency improvements that could be made to the UK's housing stock, as a result of the EPC included in Hips," he commented.

"The fact that the average four bedroom home is currently recording an E rating demonstrates how energy inefficient our current housing stock actually is.

"The EPC will prove invaluable in raising consumer awareness of the energy efficiency of our homes – highlighting the benefits of making a number of relatively low cost improvements, which could have a huge impact on reducing a property’s carbon emissions and fuel bills," continued Mr Broadhead.

Hips have since been rolled out to include properties with three or more bedrooms and further expansion is planned.

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