Housing: Energy Savings

Baroness Hanham
asked Her Majesty's Government:

What advice they will offer to owners of older properties which are likely to receive-low rating energy reports; and [HL2091]

What practical steps can be taken at reasonable cost for owners of older properties to achieve energy savings. [HL2092]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Andrews)
The Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) calls for energy performance certificates to be made available when buildings are constructed, sold or rented out. Energy performance certificates (EPCs) will include not only ratings of energy efficiency and environmental impact but a set of recommendations as to how the owner can improve energy efficiency. They will also include more general advice on saving energy. Owners will not be obliged to act on this information. However the EPC also displays prominently the telephone number of the Energy Savings Trust so that consumers are signposted to a source of impartial and expert advice, including the availability of grant schemes.