The new certificates will provide a clear indication to buyers on
the energy efficiency of a property - with ratings much like the
energy efficiency labels provided on electrical goods. They will
also show how home owners can improve the energy efficiency of
their new home by improving their insulation, for example by
installing double glazing, fitting loft or cavity wall insulation
or investing in a condensing boiler. As many people plan to make
improvements to houses just after purchase, this is a good time to
provide such information.

But Friends of the Earth added that the Government must also
introduce other steps to take action on tackling emissions from
other sectors - and not just rely on individuals to reduce their
personal energy use. They called for the Government to introduce
mandatory targets for 3% cuts in carbon emissions every year - and
for these plans to be included in a much expanded climate change
programme to meet those targets.

Friends of the Earth Climate Campaigner Germana Canzi said:

"Energy efficiency certificates will provide really useful
information for house buyers and should provide a long-term
incentive to taking action to save energy in the home. Poor
insulation can mean families are spending hundreds of pounds
heating the atmosphere - and contributing to climate change.

"It is good that the Government has finally grasped the nettle on
this issue but they must now go further and introduce a mandatory
code to make new homes low carbon. We need to reduce our
emissions across all sectors, as we are calling for with The Big
Ask campaign, if we are to make real progress on tackling climate
change."

Emissions from residential properties account for around 30 per
cent of UK emissions of climate change gases but this could be
drastically reduced through a combination of energy efficiency
measures and reliance on greener energy supplies.

Building to high energy efficiency standards could make new build
properties carbon neutral (ie with no carbon emissions from their
operations). Friends of the Earth wants to see a new mandatory
code introduced for the building trade to ensure all new homes are
carbon zero.

According to experts, loft insulation can cut your emissions by
roughly a tonne of carbon dioxide while saving up to £200 off your
heating bill.

Friends of the Earth wants to see similar steps to cut emissions
implemented by other government departments and is calling for a
new law to commit the Government to cuts of three per cent
year-on-year (See www.TheBigAsk.com[1]) [2].

--
Stuart