Home Information Packs

The Energy Performance Certificate is a core - and compulsory - part of the new HIP legislation. The Certificate measures the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a home in a similar way to certificates that are already issued for domestic appliances such as washing machines and fridges.

The efficiency of a home is rated on a scale from A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient), and displays the results in a graphical format.

They are also being brought in to comply with an EU directive on the energy performance of buildings that is due to come in to force in 2009.

The energy efficiency rating measures the overall efficiency of a home. The Certificate provides an actual rating as well as a potential rating. The more energy efficient a home is, the lower fuel bills are likely to be.

Similarly, the environmental impact rating shows a home's actual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as well as a potential rating. Again, the higher the rating of a home (e.g. an A on the new scale), the less impact a home has on the environment.

The certificate will also give estimates of the home's energy use in Kilowatt Hours per square metre (kWh/m2), as well as the CO2 emissions of the home in tonnes per year. It also shows an estimate of the home's heating, lighting and hot water costs for the year.

Usefully, it will also show potential figures for all of these ratings. This shows buyers and sellers where savings can be made if energy efficiency measures are taken.

A further section of the Certificate will describe measures that can be taken to improve the energy efficiency ratings of a home. These include energy efficient products that can be installed in a home - such as low energy lightbulbs, water tank jackets, loft and cavity wall insulation - and behavioural changes, such as turning down central heating and hot water systems to lower temperatures and turning off lights and other appliances when not in use. All these measures could reduce fuel bills and carbon dioxide emissions.

The certificates are compiled by an accredited Energy Assessor, who will visit the property and collect data relevant to the certificate. This includes the construction date and location of the home, as well as information on its fixtures and fittings, such as double glazing, insulation and heating systems.

It is anticipated that the cost of getting an Energy Performance Certificate could be between £100 and £150. Thousands of people are in training to become Energy Assessors, and around 2000 have so far completed the required courses and been accredited.