Latest news with #EnergyPerformanceCertificates
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Cost of major home building projects drops by up to 28%
Enquiries about 'big ticket' home improvements increased in the last quarter, according to new data from Checkatrade. While the quarter-on-quarter figures were strong, the year-on-year picture was, however, more mixed, the platform said. The number of households enquiring about getting a new bathroom fitted via trades on Checkatrade in the first quarter of 2025 increased by 17 per cent compared to the previous quarter. However, annually, bathroom fitting enquiries were down 9 per cent, the findings added. The data suggests enquiries for kitchen fittings jumped 11 per cent quarter-on-quarter, while queries about larger-scale work like extensions or structural modifications rose 17 per cent. Enquiries from households to the platform about Energy Performance Certificates reportedly surged 151 per cent year-on-year in the quarter, while demand for waste removal or cleaning services also rose sharply. According to Checkatrade's latest research, 'seasonal trends', falling prices and more people looking to sell their homes led to the upturn in the number of people looking to get certain major works done on their home in the first quarter. Its figures suggest the average cost of a building job in the quarter fell to £12,065, compared to £13,964 at the same point a year ago, representing a 14 per cent fall. Checkatrade said the average cost of kitchen fittings was down a fifth from £7,509 to £6,093. It added: 'These figures are corroborated by an annual fall in costs. For example, the cost of the average building job has fallen 28 per cent year-on-year, when comparing the first quarter of 2025 to the first quarter of 2024. 'Likewise, costs for kitchen fittings have fallen 14 per cent year-on-year and bricklaying costs are down 14 per cent. 'Meanwhile, electrician costs are down 24 per cent and plumbing costs are down 17 per cent year-on-year.' The group said enquiries about architectural services and home heating remained flat year-on-year. Checkatrade's Home Improvement Index analysed more than 10million job enquiries via its platform this year. Jambu Palaniappan, chief executive at Checkatrade, said: 'Our first Home Improvement Index of 2025 shows a good start for the home improvement and tradesperson industry. 'The strong increases since the last quarter show a positive trajectory for 2025. 'While we often see increases in Q1 due to seasonal trends, this could have been more muted this year due to many consumers taking a more cautious approach with their money when it comes to bigger spending. 'But a trend of falling prices on key jobs and a competitive selling season has helped ensure the market remains resilient and has led to a strong start to the year.' He added: 'Looking at the wider picture, year-on-year performance shows a more mixed perspective with some types of jobs up, others down, and others in line with this time last year.' In July 2024, Checkatrade said it had blocked a record 668 tradespeople who had failed its checks, representing a 13 per cent increase year-on-year. The company said its 12-point vetting process rejected applicants for failing to evidence documentation such as proof of identity and address, a poor trading history or negative online reviews. It said in July that roofing was the most challenging home improvement service, with roofers comprising 19 per cent of those turned away, followed by driveway companies and landscapers. Figures from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy published in 2022 claimed unscrupulous traders cost homeowners approximately £1.4billion a year. Earlier this year, Palaniappan said the group had blocked more than 1,300 applicants from Checkatrade in 2024. How to find a new mortgage Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you What if I need to remortgage? Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act. Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it. Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees. Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. What if I am buying a home? Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power. How to compare mortgage costs The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker. This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice. Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you. > Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
Pembrokeshire Herald
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
New Welsh Housing Survey to be launched after eight-year gap
Survey will include home inspections and fuel poverty data A NEW nationwide housing survey is set to take place in Wales for the first time since 2017. The Welsh Government has confirmed it will commission a new Welsh Housing Survey in 2027-28, following pressure from housing experts and members of the Senedd. The survey will provide up-to-date evidence on housing conditions, fuel poverty, and the quality of homes across Wales. Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said she had approved the business case to move forward with the project, which will be more detailed than the previous survey delivered in 2017-18. The Herald understands that the survey will be broadly comparable to the English Housing Survey and will consist of two parts: a social survey and a physical home inspection. The social survey will collect data from households, including income levels and housing experiences, to support fuel poverty analysis. Meanwhile, qualified surveyors will carry out home inspections to assess the fabric and condition of properties. Ms Bryant said: 'Administrative data like Energy Performance Certificates and council tax records are increasingly used, but they cannot fully meet our evidence requirements. A comprehensive survey is still needed.' She added that the expanded survey will help inform a wide range of policies, including those on affordable housing, second homes, and homelessness. A tendering process will begin by the end of the 2025-26 financial year, with fieldwork due to start in 2027-28. Headline results are expected in 2028-29, with a full report to follow in 2029-30. The Cabinet Secretary said she would keep Members of the Senedd updated as the work progresses.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GCCA introduces global Low Carbon Ratings system for cement and concrete
The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has unveiled the Low Carbon Ratings (LCR) for cement and concrete, a global rating system aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of construction materials. The LCR is designed to guide customers in choosing construction materials, employing an AA to G scale for comparison. The LCR system is inspired by existing energy performance evaluation tools, including the EU's Energy Performance Certificates and the US Home Energy Rating System, and offers a 'simple, transparent, and adaptable' approach for stakeholders in the construction sector. Builders, architects, governments, planners, and consumers can now make more informed decisions regarding the sustainability of the materials used. This new carbon rating system for cement and concrete is stated to provide 'consistency and comparability'. It features a simple visual graphic to denote the carbon efficiency of a product. The LCR is intended to complement Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which are verified by third parties. Countries have the option to adopt the global ratings as they stand or tailor them to align with local carbon accounting standards. GCCA chief executive Thomas Guillot said: 'Cement and concrete are the foundations of modern life - from the buildings we live and work in, to the roads we travel, and the infrastructure that supports clean water and green energy. As global demand for sustainable construction grows, the need for greater transparency around the carbon footprint of construction materials is more critical than ever.' 'Our Low Carbon Ratings system supports more sustainable procurement practices and will empower the entire value chain to accelerate decarbonisation. 'With this rating system in place, governments, policymakers and the private sector can now prioritise lower carbon cement and concrete in the procurement process, which will in turn further stimulate the industry's focus on decarbonising these essential building materials.' "GCCA introduces global Low Carbon Ratings system for cement and concrete" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Barnama
24-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
World's first Low Carbon Ratings system for Cement and Concrete launches
LONDON, April 24 (Bernama) -- The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) announces the launch of Low Carbon Ratings (LCR) for Cement and Concrete - a first-of-its-kind transparent global rating system that will enable cement and concrete to be identified based on their carbon footprints. The ratings system is designed to help customers prioritise sustainability when selecting construction materials by using a clear and intuitive AA to G scale. Inspired by well-known appraising schemes such as the EU's Energy Performance Certificates and the US Home Energy Rating System, the LCR offers a simple, transparent, and adaptable tool that helps builders, architects, governments, planners, and consumers everywhere in the world to make more informed and sustainable choices.
National Post
24-04-2025
- Business
- National Post
World's first Low Carbon Ratings system for Cement and Concrete launches
Article content Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos. Article content Article content Global system aims to incentivise procurement of more sustainable building materials System will provide transparency and trust, and help governments and businesses identify and buy more sustainable cement and concrete, the world's most used substance after water Article content LONDON — The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) announces the launch of Low Carbon Ratings (LCR) for Cement and Concrete – a first-of-its-kind transparent global rating system that will enable cement and concrete to be identified based on their carbon footprints. The ratings system is designed to help customers prioritise sustainability when selecting construction materials by using a clear and intuitive AA to G scale. Article content The ratings system is designed to help customers prioritise sustainability when selecting construction materials by using a clear and intuitive AA to G scale. Article content Inspired by well-known appraising schemes such as the EU's Energy Performance Certificates and the US Home Energy Rating System, the LCR offers a simple, transparent, and adaptable tool that helps builders, architects, governments, planners, and consumers everywhere in the world to make more informed and sustainable choices. Article content Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of the GCCA, said: 'Cement and concrete are the foundations of modern life – from the buildings we live and work in, to the roads we travel, and the infrastructure that supports clean water and green energy. As global demand for sustainable construction grows, the need for greater transparency around the carbon footprint of construction materials is more critical than ever. Article content 'Our Low Carbon Ratings system supports more sustainable procurement practices and will empower the entire value chain to accelerate decarbonisation.' Article content The ratings system is designed to be easily recognisable – with a simple visual graphic that clearly indicates a product's rating. The carbon rating system for cement and concrete provides consistency and comparability. Countries can adopt the global ratings as they are, or adapt them if local carbon accounting differs from global norms. Article content Riccardo Savigliano, Chief, Energy Systems and Decarbonization Unit, UNIDO said: 'This is a huge step forward towards harmonizing global definitions for low emission cement and concrete in the support of decarbonization.' Article content With notable construction projects already demonstrating the use of lower carbon cement and concrete, the industry is making important progress. The launch of this global rating system marks another milestone on the road to greater sustainability. Article content Marlène Dance – Decarbonisation & Sustainable Design Expert, Bouygues Bâtiment International said: 'We believe a globally consistent carbon rating system—adopted by all countries and used by all concrete suppliers—would be a game changer. Article content 'We see great value in a simple, user-friendly tool, tailored for construction teams. It will help empower our site crews to better understand and manage the carbon footprint of the concrete they use.' Article content Mr Guillot added: 'With this rating system in place, governments, policymakers and the private sector can now prioritise lower carbon cement and concrete in the procurement process which will in turn further stimulate the industry's focus on decarbonising these essential building materials.' Article content The rating system is designed to be used with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) – which by definition are third party verified. Article content The rating system uses numerical definitions in units of embodied carbon dioxide equivalent per tonne for cement and per cubic metre of concrete product (ECO2e /m3), also referred to as Global Warming Potential (GWP), as calculated according to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) standards. These product definitions for 'low carbon' and 'near zero' carbon emissions were inspired from cement production definitions by the International Energy Agency and the GCCA 2050 Cement and Concrete Industry Roadmap for Net Zero Concrete. Article content The GCCA cement rating system can be adopted and applied in countries. Germany already provides a working example. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and VDZ (German Cement Association) developed a scheme that is fully aligned with the GCCA system and this is already implemented. Article content The GCCA worked with the Clean Energy Ministerial Industrial Deep Decarbonisation Initiative (IDDI) and stakeholders to create a set of globally applicable definitions for concrete. These are ready to use in the vast majority of countries. If a country has a different practice for product carbon accounting, then adaptation of the ratings can be done. This has already been completed in the UK. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
