Majority Of Public Say Yes To HIPS Despite Government Doubt

Majority Of Public Say Yes To HIPS Despite Government Doubt

Despite the announcement by the Government to delay the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) until 1st August 2007, when they will become compulsory for all houses with four or more bedrooms in the UK, new research from Hyder Consulting reveals that the majority of UK adults are in favour of the introduction of HIPs, with 51% claiming that a property’s energy efficiency rating is a key consideration when purchasing a new home.

Support for HIPS appears strong across the entire country with people in the East Midlands most in favour of their introduction with 60% stating that a property’s energy efficiency rating is important to them, whilst those in Scotland are the least supportive with just under a half (45%) believing the same.

The findings of the research show that more and more Britons are becoming environmentally aware and are attempting to embrace the idea of ‘green living’ with only 14% saying that they would not take the energy efficiency rating into consideration when looking at a house or flat.

Indeed, over three quarters of UK adults (78%) say that running costs and energy efficiency are important when choosing one property over another, with just 3% saying that it is not important at all.

Chris Evans, Head of Environmental Solutions at Hyder Consulting commented: “The research shows that the choice to make our homes more energy efficient will no longer be made on ethical grounds alone, but financial as well. Clearly, property buyers are increasingly taking a property’s carbon footprint into account. The level of energy efficiency within a property may be used as a bargaining tool by both parties in negotiations.

“Once they have been fully introduced HIPs may prove to be a key turning point in the push to make homes more sustainable. However we must be aware that a sustainable home and lifestyle does not stop with HIPs. It is important that we all continue to do everything we can from minimising our carbon footprint to recycling in order to help save our planet.”

For tips on sustainable living please visit www.sustainable-development.gov.uk

To find out more about Hyder Consulting please visit www.hyderconsulting.com .

Notes to editor

Research was conducted by Canvass Opinion from Experian using an online methodology amongst a representative sample of 1,566 UK adults aged 18+ between 19th and 25th April 2007

For further information please contact

George Ullstein / Laura Edgecumbe
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
020 7282 1078/ 020 7282 2895
firstname.lastname {at} citigatedr.co(.)uk

Hyder Consulting

Hyder Consulting is a leading management and infrastructure consultancy offering multi-discipline planning, engineering design and environmental services. Spanning more than two centuries of engineering excellence, the company employs around 1,550 staff in the UK and over 3,350 in total. The company listed on the London Stock Exchange in October 2002.

In 2007 Hyder Consulting celebrates its 150th anniversary. Originally, Freeman Fox and Partners, the company was formed in 1857 and played a lead role in designing iconic structures such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Humber Bridge. Hyder Consulting’s reputation for delivering landmark developments continues today with its work on the prestigious Burj Tower complex in Dubai.