I welcome the ministerial statement confirming that an energy performance certificate will remain a mandatory part of the home information packs from 1 June 2007.

We have been calling for the introduction of energy certificates under the European energy performance of buildings directive for some considerable time.

By providing a benchmark for each property, we can truly see how energy efficient each building is and start to measure improvements in a meaningful way.

This is an ideal opportunity for the property sector to rise to the challenge and produce professional energy surveyors to provide not only the energy performance certificates but also advice and other related services.

Having spoken to numerous audiences around the country about energy certification and having seen the general interest in the subject, we are convinced that the opportunity to benchmark and improve energy performance in buildings will be successful. After all, the alternative in terms of carbon emissions and climate change is unthinkable.

Simon Deacon, UK Energy Surveyors

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