The National EPC Company

AGENTS GET ON BOARD WITH GREEN BRANDING

2011-08-08T13:59:00.002+01:00

With recent hikes in energy bills the public are becoming more interested in the Energy Performance of property they are considering buying or renting.

Obviously the green credentials of the property do not represent the sole reason, or indeed the main reason, why a purchaser decides on a particular property, however, the EPC is now clearly on the check list.

Agents have an opportunity to advise the vendor/landlord to upgrade their property with insulation and renewable energy technologies with a view to differentiate the property and create a clear point of difference in the market place.

The EPC is currently tasked mainly with considering the energy efficiency of the property, so for example the EPC could suggest that more loft and cavity wall insulation is recommended. However, with the permission of the vendor we now also include a free renewable energy survey with our EPCs. This enables us to make recommendations on which energy source would work best and enhance the property to maximise its value.

Agents can then market the property with a Green Stamp and let potential buyers know how much they could save per year on energy bills based on the average property vs the property with the green investment.

Green upgrades represent the next big property refurbishment boom, now that many properties have new kitchens and double glazing the green potential of the property is one of the only untapped refurbishment options that will add value to property.
Add to this an increase in value by as much as 3% and there is a good argument for the vendor upgrading the property prior to marketing.

We can advise your agency on how to maximise this opportunity and deliver strategies, know how and right through to installation of renewable energy technologies for your clients.

Update on Energy Bill

2011-08-08T13:55:00.002+01:00

The Government are now expecting to get Royal Assent for the Energy Bill, including the primary legislation for the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation, early in the autumn.

Included in the Energy Bill are a number of changes to the EPC rules and regulations which are likely to be implemented in October 11.

The main points that will be implemented are:-

EPC will be required within 7 days of commencement of marketing
Trading Standards Officers are to be given more powers to request and enforce the EPC from agents and landlords/vendors
The agents in both the residential and commercial market will be responsible for ensuring the EPC is available (currently this is not the case in the commercial market)
The requirement to add the EPC to marketing material including the sales particulars, however, this point is likely to be delayed for further consultation in terms of what represents marketing materials, for example does online portal advertising, sales and letting boards class as marketing materials. In addition updates to the EPC software may mean that an abbreviated version would be available to use on marketing materials.

Sunny Brits install solar panels to cut fuel bills

2010-09-22T17:19:00.001+01:00

Optimistic Brits are fitting solar panels in the hope of a hot summer in 2011. Record numbers of homeowners have installed solar panels, according to regulator Ofgem. The devices have been fitted to 6,688 homes since April this year.
Having faced a summer of extremes baking in temperatures of up to 27C and battling storms which hammered the county, many of us are expecting similar conditions in 2011.

It’s worth knowing that in April, the government changed its scheme to reward people who generate their own energy. The government is offering to pay property owners up to £600 (£1,000 if their properties are bigger) if they install the panels.
We’re finding an increasing number of clients asking about solar panels and the benefits and savings they can bring. It makes sense to investigate as the more energy efficient your property is, the more attractive it will be to tenants or buyers. Having solar panels cuts electricity bills, reduces your property’s CO2 emissions and can improve the EPC rating.

Social housing is greener than private sector

2010-09-06T14:25:00.001+01:00

I want to draw people’s attention to the fact that social sector homes are on average more energy efficient than those in the private sector, some of which are in urgent disrepair.

Findings from The English Housing Survey (EHS) Headline Report, published by the Communities and Local Government earlier this year back up my claim too. The report found that on average social sector homes have a mean Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating of 59 compared to private properties which on average score 49. A SAP rating is a method of calculating the energy efficiency of a home.

The private rented sector was also highlighted as the worst offender for energy efficiency by a study carried out by the Energy Saving Trust (EST) last month.

So why is this the case? I would say that the authorities are not shy to invest in improving standards as they know they will benefit from energy cost savings in the future.

It’s the large old properties that have seen little investment over the years and are likely to have old heating systems, poor insulation and inefficient boilers.

Landlords in the private sector need to make sure they tackle these unsatisfactory housing conditions and get them up to scratch. There will be little excuse not to when the Green Deal scheme launches in 2012.

2010-08-20T10:59:00.000+01:00

Interesting to see my recent commentary published on Estate Agent Today has caused such a stir! I highlighted the fact that a new EU Directive is set to make it compulsory for energy efficiency rates to be published on all property advertising. 46 people have so far commented – check out the link to see what people think and join in the debate!

http://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/News/Story/?storyid=3434&title=Brussels_ruling_on_EPCs_set_to_overturn_Shapps%27_decision&type=news_features

Energy efficiency becomes priority for businesses

2010-08-20T10:57:00.000+01:00

With energy bills for businesses set to rise considerably in the next decade, energy efficiency is fast becoming a priority for businesses across the UK.

It’s good to see that when choosing new premises, business owners are now considering energy efficiency. According to reports published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, energy bills for businesses could rise by 26 per cent in the next decade as a result of the Government’s comprehensive plan to cut greenhouse gases. This is leading to companies paying closer attention to the energy performance of their offices.

This December, it is expected all commercial properties will be obliged to carry an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) graph so it’ll be easier to judge how environmentally friendly a building is. In a saturated market, it’s likely that energy efficient properties will become the most desirable option. Badly built offices have been costing British businesses millions of pounds each year. It’s essential that this ailing office stock is improved and efficiency is made a priority. Making offices sustainable will help companies in the battle against the energy price hike.

Green Deal is coming and it's not just for homes

2010-07-08T12:17:00.001+01:00

There’s been a lot of talk about the Green Deal and what it promises for households across the UK, but now, it seems there may be a green ray of light for the commercial sector too. Chris Huhne, the following a recent speech from Energy and Climate Change Secretary, has suggested the scheme could be extended to businesses.

In the UK, buildings are responsible for almost 50 per cent of energy consumption and carbon emissions. The Green Deal is a £20bn investment specifically targeting home energy. It is a great initiative but we have to remember that nearly a fifth of CO2 emissions in the UK are from non-domestic buildings, so the commercial sector needs addressing too, it can’t just be swept under the carpet.

On paper, greenhouse gas emissions in the UK have dropped significantly as a result of the recession and also because of increased fossil fuel prices, but this is no excuse for the Government to just sit back, they are still far too high compared with other countries.

The Green Deal, as far as I can see, is a win-win initiative that will result in a more environmentally friendly Britain, whilst delivering consumer savings. Because of Green Deal the environmental credentials of a building will become more of a selling point too.

All this means more businesses than ever will be requiring energy performance advice. There will be an increasing demand on energy performance advisers to work with businesses to help make their property more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Huhne also said the Government was already in talks with energy companies and high street stores, who he expects to guide customers through the application process and pay for the initial work up front.

We all know making environmental improvements to your business is not just about reducing costs but improving your company image. Businesses are becoming increasingly aware of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and improving energy efficiency can play a key part in this.

So, worst beaches in Europe, worst electrical recycler in Europe, a nickname of ‘dirty man of Europe’, let’s hope the Green Deal will help us get something right, not just home owners but businesses as well.
Marc.

Agents should embrace EPCs ahead of the Green Deal

2010-07-08T12:09:00.004+01:00

To say HIPs weren’t everyone’s cup of tea would be an understatement but their speedy removal shocked the whole industry. HIP providers have been left looking for new, alternative products and packages to sell to agents and agents themselves are sourcing replacement income revenue streams. One HIP component to survive the cull, however, is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and, following the coalition government’s commitment to pursuing pre-election home energy policy, the EPC will become increasingly significant.

The EPC, as I understand, will become central to the proposed Green Deal, a home energy policy gives home loans on the property itself to pay for energy saving upgrades. The loans are repaid by the cost savings from lower energy bills.

The growing importance placed on EPCs by the Housing Minister, Grant Shapps, is reflected by his insistence vendors have an EPC in place at the time a property is marketed. So, how will the EPC develop in the brave new coalition world? As the Green Deal becomes more widely publicised, people will come to use the EPC for the recommendations on potential energy savings, and therefore cost savings contained within.

The EPC is the only conceivable way the government can evaluate a home energy policy and assess the eligibility of properties taken on to the scheme. The effect of increased importance and growing volumes will be a better understanding of the EPC by the general public. In times of property market turbulence, anything which can impact future house values will be taken more seriously.

I expect we’ll see household name retail chains promote in-house energy shops and gas and electric providers to link EPC recommendations to their range of tariffs and services. Herein lays the opportunity for agents. There is a demographic who will begin to view the EPC as an integral part of the property purchasing process. The agents which engage with the EPC, will realise the value and use the EPC to their advantage. The fact is, there are homeowners concerned about the effect of their impact on the environment or anxious about continually rising energy prices. Or both.

The canny agents will turn the EPC into a marketing tool. Undoubtedly, there will be many properties for which an EPC will remain a necessity rather than a practical checklist. However, one thing is for sure. The Government will not allow the Green Deal to fade into insignificance. The coalition is setting out its stall to become the greenest government in history.

Agents, can use an EPC to their advantage. Extolling the virtues of efficient buildings, the resultant costs savings a particular home will offer and the reduced negative impact on the environment will be important to an ever increasing audience. The key for agents, I believe, is identifying to which customers the EPC will be most valued.

It has never been more important to use every conceivable tool to secure a sale. Whatever your thoughts on the EPC, Mr Shapps has ensured they are here to stay. Engaging with them and being seen to embrace them can only be beneficial as the Green Deal looms on the horizon.
Marc.

Looks important in home efficency

2010-05-12T10:41:00.000+01:00

I was heartened to read the results of a recent survey which showed homeowners are concerned about improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

The survey was conducted by the housing charity Shelter, along with the Royal Institute of British Architects. It showed 12% of homeowners are keen to make their properties more environmentally friendly.

Now, I’ve never doubted that energy efficiency is of importance to householders. Despite many people’s feelings about Home Information Packs (HIPs), of which EPCs are currently a part, I get more and more feedback from homeowners interested in how they can save energy, and not just for the cost saving. It seems we really are becoming more environmentally aware in our homes.

So, what is it that made the 12% stand out for me? Well, the fact that in the same survey only 8% claimed to be interested in improving the value of their homes. More people actually want an efficient home rather than driving up its value.

But what dwarfed both these figures was the whopping 74% of home owners who said improving the appearance of their home was their number one priority.

It would appear, therefore, that manufacturers of energy efficiency products may be missing a trick by marketing their wares with cost saving benefits. If the main call to action was making a home more aesthetically pleasing they will be appealing to nearly three quarters of the home owning population.

I’m off to paint my radiators a nice shade of black; not because they will radiate the heat better and would therefore need to be heated for less time, in turn saving me money and using less fuel, but because I’ve heard it’s the trendy thing to do!

Greener living on the horizon

2010-04-27T11:36:00.000+01:00

Exciting times are on the horizon with the Government planning to pump more than £60m into the creation of environmentally friendly eco-towns.

As I understand it, four areas will share the investment to build 600 new homes to the strictest environmental guidelines ever encountered. By 2016, 10,000 new eco-homes will be built at locations in Hampshire, Cornwall, Oxfordshire and Norfolk.

In yet another effective eco-scheme, which appears to be the biggest ever green home building programme, there is an opportunity to introduce thousands of people to a more efficient lifestyle and save hundreds of pounds on bills in the process.

I believe the new green properties will boast the latest technology like smart meters to track energy use and extensive insulation meeting the toughest ever standards.

Hopefully, as the eco-towns are developed, property owners across the UK will do their bit in attempt to achieve the highest environmental standards possible by making necessary improvements to their homes and boost their EPC rating. We should all follow this example by planning for the future to ensure communities have the best possible, energy efficient facilities and at the same time tackle climate change.

The necessary improvements will make not just homes, but also communities more affordable in the quest for ‘green living’. The transformations will aid schools and other properties, which are a crucial part of a national effort towards a greener Britain.

Implementation is very important in achieving reduced carbon emissions but educating the country about greener living and realising the importance of it is critical in ensuring a sustainable environment for generations to come.

Marc.

Warm Homes, Greener Homes

2010-04-27T11:35:00.000+01:00

Recently the Government set out new environmental plans to make Britain’s homes warmer and cheaper to run. This green transformation will hopefully take place over the next decade and benefit millions of British households – creating thousands of jobs in the process.

To cut emissions from the UK’s homes which, incidentally, account for around 25 per cent of total UK emissions, we need to create and implement effective energy saving measures. The aim is to reduce carbon emissions from the household sector by 29 per cent.

The Warm Homes, Greener Homes Strategy is a highly commendable drive to shape a low carbon economy, which will both relieve the potentially crippling pressure of bills and tackle climate change. As an accredited energy assessment, I believe that EPCs make a real contribution to combating climate change. In the face of rising fuel bills, it’s extremely important for people to recognise how making improvements to the energy efficiency of their homes can save them money. Recommending how to make homes greener by making small changes can make a big difference to reduce household expenditure and benefit the environment.

The only way to achieve radical change is to work together to make better use of energy resources. EPCs, in addition to this new environmentally friendly strategy, will assist in reducing carbon dioxide emissions by providing home energy advice. Suggesting improvements such as fitting loft insulation and cavity walls will make visible cost savings and reduce the carbon emission rating of properties.

This will have huge benefits on the quality of life for people in the UK with energy efficiency instrumental in ensuring tenants get the benefits of warmer, greener homes with lower bills.

Marc