THE Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors has highlighted action it says government and industry need to take to encourage people to buy more energy-efficient houses.

In a report commissioned by the Department of Communities and Local Government, it proposes steps to raise the perceived importance of a property’s energy performance, throughout the home-buying and selling process.

Initiated as part of the UK Government’s Heat and Energy Savings Strategy, the project recommends making sure consumers understand the benefits of and have confidence in the effectiveness of energy-efficient home improvements.

It also recommends improving energy performance certification by making information on the property and how its performance compares with similar properties more understandable.

The market should be segmented both by type of consumer and by property type to better target government policy and industry action, it suggests,

Engaging further with lenders, conveyancers and estate agents to help them educate consumers about the benefits of energy efficient properties would be helpful, the institute argues.

And the report supports greater transparency to ensure relevant energy performance data is captured and analysed by both industry and government.

Finally it calls for improved guidance, practice, information and training for all professionals.

It has also made a pledge to offer new guidance to valuers. The guidance will take the form of a residential valuation information paper, due for publication early in 2011 and will form part of standards considering energy efficient measures in the valuation.

It will also advise surveyors to consider the construction and future adaptability of the property.

Christina Hirst, acting director for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in Wales, said: “This report places sustainability at the heart of the home- buying and selling process.

“With more than a quarter of all carbon emissions coming from homes, these measures to encourage consumer demand for energy- efficient properties represent a major step forward in terms of achieving a greener Britain.

“Other professions and trade bodies will also need to develop similar guidance and information to ensure all players in the residential market play their part.”

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