Owners of new-build properties are being sold a false promise of low energy costs because developers are underestimating emissions by 50 per cent, a study found. Academics at the University of Bath likened the way planners offer over-optimistic efficiency projections to the VW emissions scandal. They said homeowners and businesses were being hit with unexpectedly high bills because the “green” credentials of new buildings were continually overstated. Energy bills regularly end up double the original estimates, researchers found. David Coley, the university’s professor of low carbon design, said that the system for predicting emissions and efficiency was deeply flawed. “The problem is nobody checks that the building is performing as promised. There is very little regulation. They can’t be sued. It’s like a surgeon not being bothered about whether their patient lived or died,” he told The Daily Telegraph.
Times 3rd May 2017 read more »
Telegraph 2nd May 2017 read more »
The Home Energy Scotland Loan Scheme – launched yesterday by the Scot-Govt – makes a total of £34 million funding available to owner-occupiers and private landlords to install energy efficiency measures. These include solar roof panels, micro-wind turbines, geo-thermal heat, external or internal wall insulation, double glazing, boilers, warm air units and other forms of renewable technology that can be used in the home. Home-owners can now apply for an interest free loan of up to £32,500 to improve the energy efficiency and use of renewable technologies in their properties.
Scottish Energy News 3rd May 2017 read more »