01-10-07, UpMyStreet ©

With climate change and green issues hitting the headlines, energy performance certificates have become the most significant element of Home Information Packs. Since HIPs were introduced to larger-sized properties in August, the emphasis on raising energy efficiency in homes has increased, particularly following the disappointing energy ratings achieved so far.

Find out more about energy performance certificates and how to achieve a higher grade for your home.

What is an energy performance certificate?

The certificate details how energy efficient your home is on a scale of A-G, as rated by an accredited domestic energy assessor. An A rating is given to the most energy efficient homes with the lowest energy bills. A G rated property is the least efficient and will have higher running costs.

You also receive an environmental impact rating. This gives you an indication of the levels of CO₂ your home emits. The certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment.

How to improve your energy rating

A snapshot survey since the launch of HIPs showed homes are achieving a rating of D-E, but could save £180 on heating, £60 on lighting and £30 on hot water bills a year by installing insulation, double glazing and low energy lighting.

Simple energy saving measures can also help raise your raise your rating and potentially increase the asking price for your property. Follow our energy saving tips, and read how going green can increase the value of your home.

The story so far

The certificates were originally part of home condition reports, but when these were scrapped as a mandatory part of HIPs in 2006, the energy performance certificate became an independent part of HIPs. Since then they've arguably become the most important element of the packs, particularly following the Stern report on climate change.

Why the controversy?

An EU directive requires all buildings to have an energy efficiency rating by January 2009, and many people believe that the government's decision to introduce energy performance certificates within HIPs rather than on their own is political leverage for the unpopular packs.

There's also been criticism that there aren't enough accredited domestic energy assessors ready to start work, leading to the eleventh hour decision to delay the original June 1 launch date of HIPs.