Last month we reported that the implementation of the latest Energy Bill (the revisions to the Energy Performance in Buildings Regulations - EPBR) had been postponed until the autumn. With summer now upon us, we wondered if the energy gurus and politicians had perhaps taken an extended summer break: We asked Andrew Morphet, Managing Director of Synergy Property Services Limited if he’d seen any signs:

“I’m pleased to say, there has been a lot happening in July – although not all of it positive. Despite assurances from Chris Huhne, Secretary of State at the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) that the Green Deal will be delivered on time; the shelving of the Energy Bill until October is an issue that must ultimately have an effect. It is also likely to have an adverse effect on the DECC’s timeline for the Green Deal proposals. The timeline was already ambitious - now it is almost impossible for this to be met.”

As the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Department of Communities and Local Government embark jointly on a major consultation on the effectiveness of Display Energy Certificates, Andrew Morphet of Synergy Property Services Ltd. ponders the very same question; “How well is the system working?”

The COALITION parties have agreed to implement a full programme of measures to fulfil their joint ambitions for a low carbon, eco-friendly, and energy efficient economy. They have also agreed, subject to advice from the Climate Change Committee, to increase the energy target from renewable sources.

With the General Election now called for the 6th May, all the political parties are vying for our attention in the hope of capturing a few more votes with their populist polices; not least among them those concerning Climate Change and Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) .

Perhaps someone should tell them to turn a few lights off!

It is now more than two years since Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were introduced. EPCs not only show the energy efficiency of a property, the likely fuel costs and carbon dioxide emissions, but also give recommendations on how to improve the energy rating and deliver energy cost savings. Sceptics claim these are "worthless" but a recent survey by National Energy Services (NES) tells a very different story.

"Our experience with clients at Synergy, tells us that commercial buildings are generally in a far worse condition than homes and therefore present even bigger opportunities for saving costs and reducing emissions. As qualified Energy Assessors we already have the skills to help all landlords, agents, building owners and occupiers save money whilst staying on the right side of impending energy legislation." 

Most people involved in property, already know that the Government intend to raise the bar at regular intervals over the next few years regarding improved energy conservation in buildings. With the next phase of the European Energy Performance in Buildings Directive already well into its consultation phase, the UK Government is now focused on UK problems and targets. So for property owners, builders and developers, what do these proposals for energy conservation mean?

Householders will soon be able to have the services of a qualified Home Energy Assessor to help them address the problems of CO2 emissions, wasted energy and, therefore, money arising from their energy-inefficient homes if a Government plan is approved.