Nov 15 2006
Places for People has secured an important £70,000 grant to work with housing associations to develop a good practice guide on implementing new energy rating certificates.
The grant has been awarded for a project called ‘Certs for Success’ and forms part of the Housing Corporation’s Innovation and Good Practice programme. The project will enable Places for People to work with housing associations to produce a range of advisory literature, events and a website on the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive (EPBD).
The EPBD directive became law in January 2006 and will require all housing associations to produce an energy rating certificate every time a property is let or sold. The certificate, costing up to £250, gives an energy efficiency rating to the property and explains ways in which it can be improved.
Nicholas Doyle, Project Director (Sustainability) at Places for People said:
“The energy directive could cost the industry up to £40M per year – which represents a massive investment and commitment on the part of housing providers. We want to turn a negative additional cost in to a positive opportunity for the sector.
“The guide we are producing will provide the sector with a comprehensive guide on implementing the certificates and getting value for money, whilst helping to raise the energy efficiency of thousands of homes across the UK.
“The guide will cover everything from training costs and purchasing essential software, to improving the energy performance of new build and existing homes and advising customers.”
‘Certs for Success’ will go live in February 2007 with a major event and unveiling of a brand new website. Housing associations that want to find out more or be involved in the research should log on to www.esd.co.uk/has.