New Website Launches to Provide Wealth of Work for DEAs epcs4U.com to become the energy performance certificate portal

A new website, epcs4U.com that will put registered Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) in direct contact with consumers will be launched on the 20th September 2007. epcs4U.com will become the UK’s first major portal on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), providing training and career opportunities to the trade, as well as information and advice for consumers.

The website will match registered, qualified DEAs with consumers in their area who require an EPC – the certificates are needed for the sale of all three and four-bedroom houses from 10th September 2007. Via the new website, DEAs will be able to access homeowners will be able to access DEA’s using the consumer search facility. As a trade resource, epcs4U.com will also provide training details for professionals who would like to become a registered DEA, with links to accreditation organisations and providers of recognised courses and seminars.

Research indicates that there is a great deal of confusion about Energy Performance Certificates and the effect they will have on house prices and their saleability. Householders are becoming increasingly concerned about rising fuel prices, climate change and the value of their greatest asset – their home. This website has been designed to help householders take action in advance of the selling process by finding a local accredited DEA and then directing them to qualified and professional trades to undertake appropriate improvements. We believe that an ever increasing number of householders will require this service outside of the Home Information Pack, but the EPC can still be used as part of the HIP as it will be valid for 12 months.
Accredited Domestic Energy Assessors can register to participate in this expanded market and receive work direct from householders (commission free) with only a nominal annual registration fee.

DEAs can register their details for an annual fee of £35.00 giving them instant access to a network of homeowners and professionals who require their services.

epcs4u.com has been founded by energy efficiency entrepreneur Peter Thom. As President of the Institute of Domestic Heating and Environmental Engineers and managing director of Green Heat, Thom has been developing and providing home energy ratings for the past 17 years.

Peter Thom said:
“As well as the clear legal requirement for Energy Performance Certificates, the assessment behind them is a crucial step in saving resources. Recent research from the Energy Saving Trust has shown that only four in ten people are aware of Energy Performance Certificates for homes. This means the opportunities for professionals in this field are significant. By demystifying and simplifying Energy Performance Certificates, epcs4u.com will become the new business driver of choice for Domestic Energy Assessors, connecting them with consumers and businesses in their area that require these services.”

For consumers, epcs4U.com will be a free service. As well as the local DEA search facility, the site will offer guidance on understanding an Energy Performance Certificate rating, a range of tips on how to make the home more energy efficient, links to accredited trade and professional bodies to carry out improvement work, Government backed “Green Grants”, Green mortgages providers, Green Energy Tariffs and other possible ways to reduce CO2 emissions of a home.

The consumer side of the website will be launched in October 2007. The consumer launch will be backed by a national campaign to encourage 15 million homeowners to save money, improve their carbon footprint and take up measures to boost their energy efficiency.

The trade area of the epcs4u.com is live for registrations. DEAs can register their details for local searches for a single annual fee of £35.00 + VAT. Register and log on by visiting www.epcs4u.com