Further HIPs legislation announced

Energy ratings similar to consumer-friendly fridge ratings will have to be produced for every home bought and sold in England and Wales as part of the Home information Packs (HIPs) from next June, the government has announced.

Housing minister Yvette Cooper has launched the new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which will be an essential part of the Home Information Packs to be introduced next year.

The certificates will give home buyers and sellers A to G ratings for their home's energy efficiency and carbon emissions. They will tell them current average costs for heating, hot water and lighting in their home as well as how to cut costs with energy efficiency measures.

The reports, prepared by qualified home inspectors, will advise consumers on which energy measures - ranging from thicker loft insulation right through to solar panels - could cut carbon emissions from their home and improve their energy rating.