Househunters urged to go green and insist on standards

HOUSEHUNTERS are being urged to use their clout in an uncertain property market to insist on greener standards from their builders.

All new houses which sought planning permission after January 1 this year must be built to strict new European Union energy efficiency requirements, but one expert said buyers of homes currently under construction also had a chance to look for improved standards.

Energy and environment consultant Patrick Daly said he was already beginning to see a trend. “I’m getting builders asking me to tweak the design of houses to improve their energy rating. That pressure is coming from the market. It’s more of a buyers’ market now so people can push for a better rating.”