CML goes greener - and reflects on HIPs

The Council of Mortgage Lenders has become the first financial services trade body to sign the Trade Association Forum's declaration on climate change.

The CML is committing to various measures to reduce carbon emissions. These include reducing staff travel and using public transport where possible, as well as reducing electricity consumption within the CML's offices by installing energy-efficient lighting and recycling our paper, plastics, glass and cans.

Just as importantly, the CML will be aiming to ensure that all its work has regard to climate issues.

CML Director General Michael Coogan said:

"The CML is committed to going greener. As an organisation, we take climate change seriously. We want to help reduce our carbon impact by taking practical steps to achieve results, as many of our members already do in their businesses.

"Consumers can also play their part. But providing an energy performance certificate with a home information pack does not guarantee householders will actually take energy-saving measures.  While EPCs are a good first step, unless householders act on the information they contain they will not improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions as the government suggests.

"Delivering EPCs through HIPs means it will take more than 13 years before all home-owners have received one. Yet delivering EPCs is the government's main rationale for pressing on with HIPs. Ministers should reflect whether EPCs could be delivered more quickly and more universally in a different way."