The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has welcomed news that the data from Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be used to offer advice and information to home owners and tenants about how to improve their property and reduce their fuel bills.

The FMB has said for a long time that the EPC should play a bigger role in improving the energy efficiency of the UK's housing stock.

Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB said: "The retrofit revolution is an enormous challenge. In order for the Government’s Green Deal to successfully deliver the carbon savings required, home owners and tenants must understand the benefits of home energy efficiency improvements. For a long time the FMB has said Energy Performance Certificates should be used to trigger property upgrades. This can only start to happen if local authorities and other trusted and accredited companies have access to information about the energy performance of the homes in their area."

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Mr Berry continued: "Consumer confidence in the Green Deal has to be a priority for the Government and this must be encouraged by a well thought out marketing campaign that can offer robust and reliable information to all types of household. The FMB would also like to see the introduction of additional incentives to increase consumer demand for the Green Deal. A targeted reduction in VAT on energy efficiency home improvements or a reduction in Council Tax for the best performing homes would really help the Government deliver all of the benefits tied to the Green Deal."

(CD)