Greens slam new HIPS

1st August 2007

Green Councillor Bernard Little today criticised the government's long awaited Home Energy Packs which were introduced in part yesterday (Wednesday 1st Aug)

Cllr Little said,"Our homes are responsible for more than a quarter of the UK's carbon emissions. Making them more energy efficient will not only help tackle climate change, but will also cut fuel bills. Energy performance certificates - as part of Home Information Packs - could play a vital role in this. But the Government's gross mismanagement of the scheme means less than a fifth of homes sold in the UK will have to outline how energy efficient they are.

"There is no excuse for this. The Government have been planning these HIPS for years. The energy component of the packs is vital for complying with the EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, and they have had plenty of notice of this.

"At a time when action on tackling our rising emissions is more urgent than ever, the government is dragging its feet on a vital initiative. With no firm plans for full compliance, it looks like this will be another environmental Directive to add to the list of those the UK has failed to implement properly, including those on waste and air quality.

"Rolling out energy performance certificates across the housing market would make energy efficiency improvements a standard part of the home-selling process, just like giving the walls a new lick of paint. This could make drastic cuts to our carbon emissions.

"By proceeding at a snail's pace, the government are helping to fuel runaway climate change, whilst also condemning thousands to spiralling fuel bills.

"But by making homes both comfortable and sustainable we can begin to tackle climate change and meet a social need."

ENDS

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