<p>The government has announced that energy performance certificates will have to be provided as part of home information packs (HIP), which are to be compulsory from June 1 2007.</p> <p>The report, prepared by an independent inspector, will give houses an A to G rating, with “A” being the best. These will show the energy efficiency of a home and its carbon footprint.</p> <p>John Slaughter, HBF director of external affairs, said: “This should show new homes in a good light since they are 40% more efficient than those built five years ago. The critical issue will be the trialling arrangements, which we don’t yet fully know, and what affect HIPs will have on the market.” Slaughter pointed out that the certificates would have to be provided as part of EU legislation with or without the introduction of HIPs.</p><b> <p>NEXT KEY DATE: HIPs will be introduced on June 1 2007.</p></b>