Homes to be Energy-Rated in UK
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 06.14.06
Starting next year, every house sold in England and Wales will be given an energy efficiency rating like those found on electrical goods. The Energy Performance Certificate will be part of the new Home Information Packs being introduced next June. Each house on the real estate market will be rated by an independent inspector and given a rating from "A" to "G," with A being the highest. The rating will be based on energy efficiency and the carbon dioxide impact created by heating and powering the house. Homes are responsible for about a third of the UK's total energy requirements; to help mitigate climate change, this must be significantly reduced, according to UK scientists. Housing minister Yvette Cooper said that, as well as helping buyers and sellers to reduce carbon emissions, it would also help them reduce money spent on bills. "Given the growing challenge from climate change and rising energy costs, I think people should be entitled to this kind of information about the home they buy," she said. "You can get this kind of consumer information on fridges and washing machines so why not on a home?" Between this and London's mini eco-city, things are headed in the right direction in the UK. via ::BBC
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An energy rating on a home is a great idea. I know that something like this is not in place in Texas. I wish there was though, in the 100+ degree summers, every A/C in the state is running constantly.
Is there anything like this in any other U.S. states? If so, how does it work?
The great thing about this is that people will want to increase the energy efficiency of their homes to get a good "A" rating before selling as this will no doubt increase the value of the property.
This is a great idea, but I hope it will also apply to landlords as well.
As landlords don't usually pay the utility bills there is no incentive for them to install energy efficient boilers etc, as they go for cheap equipment instead; but if they have to provide an energy rating to tennants, then that might change.
I would also love to see an energy rating applied to hotels and b&b's in the UK - it would definately effect my decision of where to stay.
www.jamblemag.co.uk
Yes, there is already such an industry in the USA. It is still relatively young, but growing rapidly in many markets. It is called the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) and homes are evaluated by HERS Raters. The Residential Energy Systems Network (http://resnet.us/) oversees the industry. The current market for HERS raters is primarily certifying new homes as ENERGY STAR. The same way you can purchase an ENERGY STAR appliance, you can purchase an ENERGY STAR home. ENERGY STAR is very popular in Texas, as well as other states. For more information, check out ENERGY STAR’s website (www.energystar.gov). If you happen to be in the Southeast, you should visit www.southface.org. Southface is an environmental non-profit that certifies homes as ENERGY STAR and EarthCraft House (our own green building program). Feel free to contact me with questions, comments, or to discuss.
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