In brief: HIPS, renewables, timber and Arup

To maximise the benefits of Energy Performance Certificates they need to be read and
understood by buyers. We want to make them more prominent in the HIP so that they
are clearly visible to potential purchasers. We will do this by:
a) requiring that the EPC is the first document in the pack
b) requiring that the EPC is attached to the estate agent’s particulars

The fine for non-compliance could go up from £200 to £500. The cost of an EPC will be set by the market rather than the government. As for enforcement:

Work is also well advanced on putting in place the qualification and quality assurance regime for Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs). The first two qualifications for DEAs have been approved by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority; training courses are under way and the standards for DEA accreditation bodies are close to being finalised. The Department envisages giving provisional approval to the first accreditation bodies in March 2007 prior to formal approval being given in April 2007 as soon as the EPBD regulations have legal effect. There are large numbers of people who have relevant experience and could qualify as DEAs relatively quickly.

I’d like to see some firm numbers and projections on this. Anyone know of any? HIPS are due to come into effect on 1 June 2007. The consulting firm who the government used will be paid £2.5 million - nice work if you can get it.