The Government is set to announce a new energy efficiency rating scheme for homes sold in England and Wales, similar to that currently used for electrical goods.

The Home Information Packs to be introduced shortly will include an Energy Performance Certificate prepared by independent inspectors.

Homes will be rated from the top mark A down to G according to energy efficiency and carbon emissions.

Scientists warn that we must make significant energy savings in our homes in order to help prevent climate change. Currently about one third of the UK's total energy consumption is used in homes.

The Housing minister, Yvette Cooper, believes that home buyers are entitled to this kind of information. She says it will help homeowners cut carbon emissions and household bills. Consumers already know the energy efficiency of their electrical appliances and there are potentially much greater savings to be made in the home as a whole.

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