Do you know the MPG of your home?
Why do consumers value an energy label when purchasing a car or household appliance?
However, when choosing their next home, some consumers lose sight of the value of the energy label - leaving it to pot luck as to whether they can afford heating bills.
Savvy consumers are consulting their Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to make wiser purchasing decisions saving money, energy and carbon emissions.
EPCs are mandatory in the UK, over 3.5 million have been produced and Elmhurst asks the question ‘are these savings being realised and are attitudes towards energy efficiency changing in the domestic and commercial property markets?’
What are the potential energy and cost savings in the average home?
Elmhurst has 15 years specialist energy rating experience, producing the most EPCs in the UK to date. Elmhurst data highlights a typical UK home as being very energy inefficient (D rated). On average, consumers could reduce their fuel bills by £213.00 and carbon emissions by 43% per annum. Importantly, these savings are achievable via the most simple and cost effective measures including:
• Cavity wall & loft insulation
• Hot water cylinder jackets
• Low energy lighting
• Replacement of old boilers (D rated or worse)
Energy performance of the average home*
| Current Performance | Potential Performance | |
| Energy Efficiency Rating (SAP) | 58 (D rated) | 77 (C rated) |
| Environmental Impact Rating (CO2) | 55 (D rated) | 75 (C rated) |
| Annual Energy Cost (£) | £501.00 | £288.00 |
| Emissions KgCO2 per annum | 4904 | 280 |
Based on Elmhurst Energy RdSAP survey data (Eng & Wales) 2009.
Elmhurst would expect similar significant savings to be identified in commercial buildings. However, such findings are still unclear due to quality concerns and widespread non-compliance.
Changing market attitudes towards energy efficiency
A recent survey carried out by YouGov plc1 suggests that potential buyers are placing more emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental standards when looking to move home. The survey ranked energy issues as 3rd most important out of 22 common property selection criteria, compare this to an older survey2 carried out before EPCs were introduced, which indicated energy efficiency as 10th out of 11 selection criteria. Attitudes do appear to have changed.
Energy Efficiency – creating opportunities for all
EPCs have identified substantial savings and are driving a change in attitudes toward energy efficiency. If these savings are implemented, UK consumers will save money, energy and carbon emissions. Collectively, this would reduce the UK’s; energy demand, dependency on expensive imported energy and need for new power stations, whilst simultaneously boosting the economy and creating jobs. Elmhurst is convinced that EPCs in order to work effectively must be available at the start of the buying/selling process, even if future Governments decide to revise the requirement for Home Information Packs.
Elmhurst recommend that future Government policy should place much greater emphasis on intelligent use of EPC data to improve the worst energy performing buildings and to target grant funding.
It is clear that huge carbon savings can be achieved, much quicker and at a lower cost by tackling the existing building stock than simply relying on improved new build standards.
1 YouGov plc 2009 HIPS FIELDWORK DATES: 22nd - 26th May 2009 On Behalf of the New Homes Marketing Board
2 University of Reading, College of Estate Management, Mike Waters, Jan 2007
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