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Regular assessments would encourage energy awareness

04 December 2008

Conducting regular assessments of a home's energy performance would encourage people to periodically think about energy efficiency, according to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).

Referring to the think tank Foresight's recommendation of 'MOT style' energy assessments for homes, a DIUS spokesman said it would boost awareness.

He said: "An annual or biennial assessment would encourage households and firms to think about energy performance on a regular basis."

The recommendation was designed as a way to enhance the energy efficiency of the 2.6 million privately rented homes as neither landlords nor tenants have the motivation to improve properties.

While new rules, such as the Code for Sustainable Homes ensure that new builds live up to high standards of energy efficiency, there is no equivalent for existing homes, which make up the bulk of the UK's homes.

Another benefit for householders could be that in improving their home's rating they cut their own energy costs as well as making their home more appealing to buyers.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, 53 per cent buyers are willing to pay an average of £3,350 more for an energy efficient home.
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