AN ENERGY efficiency expert has called for regulations and real financial incentives to motivate householders to improve homes and reduce energy consumption.

Professor Jake Chapman said government and energy efficiency professionals were failing to understand the real barriers to energy efficiency or promote the benefits effectively to householders.

Professor Chapman is one of the founders of the NHER, the UK’s largest energy rating scheme. He said: “Scientists, engineers and economists have always just assumed that energy efficiency and saving money are so obviously desirable that consumers will buy into it automatically.

“In the real world, though, the monetary savings are not enough to make any impact and the concept of saving the planet is just too distant. To get action we have to provide people with a real motive - and back it up with regulations to eliminate inefficient appliances and buildings.”

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YOUR Mortgage has joined forces with Bradford & Bingley to help homeowners and buyers find the best agent to suit their needs.

The Guide to Good Estate Agents covers a number of issues such as the estate agent’s duties, the charges you should expect to pay and the services you should receive for your fee and the benefits of local knowledge and experience.

It also provides advice on how the Internet is changing the home buying process.

The guide is available by calling free on 0800 113333 quoting YMG1, or in the September issue of Your Mortgage from all Bradford & Bingley Estate Agency branches.

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FOR almost two million people in the UK a day in the office now means a day at home - and it’s a growing trend.

Last year, a labour force survey revealed the figures were up eight per cent to 6.1 per cent of the UK workforce opting to work from home. As a result, working from home is changing the design of properties, but it also brings into question the security of homes with thousands of pounds worth of office equipment.

Jeff Smith, managing director of Aegis Conservatory Roof Systems, said: “To work from home, people need space that they can either dedicate as an office, away from the hustle and bustle of the traditional household, or which they can at least share as a conventional home extension. Conservatories are meeting that need.”

For further information contact 08702 403 662.