This would give consumers better access to information, helping them make new green choices by comparing energy costs between homes.
EPCs, energy ratings for homes, will give consumers for the first time information about the energy efficiency of properties, and practical steps to reduce carbon emissions and save on energy bills.
To increase awareness of the benefits of undertaking environmental improvements, the Government is also proposing to make the EPC the first document in the home information pack when launched on 1 June.
The consultation also includes changes to speed up the home buying process based on the evidence of rigorous testing in area trials. It proposes changes to accelerate the delivery of local searches which can take more than four weeks in some areas, and tackling the post code lottery of different levels of service and different charges for consumers.
Ministers are also in discussion with the financial services industry about providing green mortgages which fund the improvements suggested in EPCs, as well as exploring options for linking EPCs to incentives to encourage energy efficiency such as the council tax rebates some local authorities are offering in conjunction with energy suppliers.
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly said: “This is an important opportunity to improve the buying and selling process for consumers. We want to promote a greener housing market for consumers and Energy Performance Certificates can play a key part in this. By providing more information on the energy efficiency of homes, we can help consumers make more informed choices about the homes they buy and their impact on climate change.”
Housing MinisterYvette Cooper, said: “Most people have no idea about things like the lagging in the loft when they buy a new home. But this will tell people how they can save money on their fuel bills and cut their carbon emissions at the same time. The trials have also shown we need to tackle the unfair postcode lottery in searches which can cause homebuyers all kinds of costs and delays.”
