18 December 2007
One of the central pieces of the government's energy efficiency policy is not being widely recognised by the public, research from building materials supplier Jewson has found.
According to the firm's study, 36% of people have "never heard" of the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) which are part of the new Home Information Packs (Hips) that householders are obliged to provide when their homes are sold.
Hips became mandatory in all properties being sold in the UK last week, following a phased introduction by the government which began earlier this year.
EPCs measure the effectiveness of the central heating, insulation and energy efficiency markers in homes to give it an overall energy rating - giving the buyer a good idea of how "green" the property is and how much gas and electricity bills are likely to cost.
Jewson's research also revealed widespread scepticism among the public regarding making energy efficiency and heating improvements to homes for green purposes.
Over four in five (82%) of poll respondents said that the cost of making such energy efficiency-boosting modifications was "too high".
Sustainability and Quality Director at Jewson Steve Millward, commenting on the study, said: "People like the idea of being green [but] more than 90% don't understand how to make energy efficient choices.
"Unless we see a change in mindset, regardless of EPCs, the UK will not reach the goals it has set out to achieve in relation to sustainability and energy efficiency."
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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