HIPS are here and included in the HIP is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which tells prospective buyers about the energy efficiency and environmental performance of a home.

The EPC is similar to the certificates provided with domestic appliances; its purpose is to record how energy-efficient a property is as a building. The certificate will provide a rating of the property from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is very inefficient.

The environmental impact rating is a measure of a home’s impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions - the higher the rating the less impact it has on the environment. The energy-efficiency rating is a measure of a home’s overall efficiency. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the home is, and the lower the fuel bills are likely to be. The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings.

Buyers want to know more 

Research reveals that 86% of homebuyers want to know how their homes rate in terms of environmental friendliness, in order to make an informed decision as part of this major purchase. Improved levels of energy efficiency and lower running costs were among the top of the list of eco-friendly assets buyers consider important. Some 60% of buyers say that they are not given adequate information about the technical specification of a new home.

Thus the combination of the introduction of EPCs and the emphasis that prospective purchasers put on the importance of energy efficiency highlights the need for property owners to upgrade their properties to maximise sales values and rentals. To do this, however, they will need further expert assistance from a specialist environmental service company who can provide the complex technical work to achieve huge fuel saving and carbon dioxide reductions, together with a warmer more comfortable environment.

Alternatively, such an organisation can give advice to the purchaser regarding the necessary energy efficiency measures that need to be carried out in order to bring the property in line with the current energy efficiency requirements of Part L Building Regulations.

Expert help 

An installer such as the Mark Group offers a complete energy efficiency package and can mastermind an entire tailor-made insulation programme for all types of properties.

This is firstly based on an energy survey of the property to identify cost effective measures to be taken, together with a sound knowledge of the building. For instance, energy saving measures can cover not only cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and draught proofing, but also extend to timber frame and warm roof insulation, energy efficiency and financial advice, such as accessing grants and assisting with financing and tax reliefs. Worthwhile insulation can save some 40% of the annual fuel bill and with fuel prices set to soar as inflation climbs this saving becomes even more attractive, as the initial outlay can be recouped within approximately four years.

In addition the insulation installer plays a crucial role in identifying energy efficiency opportunities and so achieve - where relevant - with the heating engineer the optimum balance between heating and insulation. For instance, the cost offsets from an insulation package arise from the ability to use a smaller capacity heating system, with slightly reduced running costs, a smaller capital outlay, less long term repair costs and longer life for the system.

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Alongside worthwhile insulation, renewable energy sources are another option which adds considerable value to a house. Research by the Energy Saving Trust suggests that, dependent on the type of renewable energy product installed, the value of a property may increase by up to £10,000.

When he was Secretary of State for Trade and Industry earlier this year, Alistair Darling said “micro-wind turbines and solar panels are fast becoming the credible response of householders to cutting their carbon emissions as well as utility bills”.

Both solar gain and wind can provide electrical energy to power lighting and appliances. As both sources depend on the behaviour of nature, both require standby support from mains electricity or generators. Wind generators produce useable power in windy conditions, not otherwise. Solar panels either warm water, or produce electricity, but only in daylight. Solar panels perform best in Summer, and wind turbines in Autumn, Winter and Spring.

A modest sized solar water heating panel system will provide nearly 100% of the domestic hot water requirements of a similar home during summer and over 25% during winter. A photovoltaic system will produce electricity for general use, or input into the national grid, by arrangement with energy suppliers. Alternatively, it can be used to provide power to outbuildings, and to charge storage batteries.

Siting of solar panels is key: south facing is preferable. Alternatively panels can be divided between east and west facing rooftops. If there is a need to re-roof a property, this is the ideal time to consider installing solar panels.

Access to energy

Access to energy supply is another key factor. The type of energy determines the carbon factor. It also influences the cost of heating and the steps needed to minimise demand for heating energy.

Ground source heat pumps or biomass heating may well be economic alternatives for some sites. For instance where mains gas is unavailable. Ground source heat pumps make use of ground heat, usually a few meters below ground to transfer underground heat into a building to provide spatial heating and in some cases pre-heat domestic water. As the earth maintains a temperature of about 11-12ºC throughout the year, GSHPs can provide an energy efficient alternative for indoor heating.

A specialist installer will do the ‘groundwork’ to look for the best option available to install a GSHP in the property. Suitability factors, as well as budget, will be considered to ensure that the GSHP works in the most efficient way. While it is possible for a GSHP to meet 100 per cent of the spatial heating requirement, it is always a good idea to look at other energy efficient measures such as cavity wall and loft insulation to reduce the heating demands.

There are three important elements in installing a GSHP - the ground loop, the heat pump and the heat distribution system. The installer will agree with you which type of ground loop is most suitable for you and where it could be located. Electricity is required to run the compressor of the pump.

The running costs of a GSHP are largely dependent on several factors. However, it is usually a cheaper and more energy efficient way of indoor heating than oil, LPG and electric storage heaters. Now that energy efficiency is of prime consideration for selling and marketing homes, consultants and installers who can offer experience and expertise across a wide spectrum will be invaluable to the property vendor and purchaser.

Lee Cottingham, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Mark Group.The Mark Group has branches throughout England, Wales and Scotland. Tel: 0116 236 6523, www.markgroup.co.uk.