The Green Transformation

In a press release earlier this month from CLG (Communities and Local Government)it stated - "a green transformation of Britain's homes will take place over the next decade - making them more comfortable, warmer and cheaper to run" The government aim from this initiative is to cut UK carbon emissions by 29% by 2020.

I think this can only be a win:win for most people. If it drives up funding for home improvements aimed at making them more efficient, then most people should save money. As an Industry practitioner, I gain because more houses will be assessed - you can't measure the benefit unless you have a baseline to start from - and in todays terms that means an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

So what is the focus of this drive towards carbon neutral living? CLG have stated their strategy as evolving in three stages :
1. insulate 6 million homes by the end of 2011
2. insulate all practical lofts and cavity walls by 2015
3. to have offered up to 7 million eco upgrades by 2020; all homes to have smart meters.

While the last one is perhaps a bit lacking in detail, the first two are clear. When I am assessing houses the thing that will usually make the biggest difference is to drive up the loft insulation, this initiative tackles this head on.

Smart meters will also help, but people need to be motivated to use them. I don't think the concept of energy saving by habit has yet caught the public imagination, turn down the thermostat, half fill the kettle all make a difference, but most people will focus on "how much does it cost?" NOT "how much am I using?" BOTH questions produce results.

Surrey Energy Consultants are a small independant company, providing EPCs (and HIPs) in the North Surrey and SW London area. We are also very ready to engage in providing energy advice to households. If you want more information please get in touch.