Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
These certificates are for all buildings and will be required whenever a building is constructed, rented or sold. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is broadly similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines.
Its purpose is to record the energy efficiency of the building. The certificate will provide a rating of energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a building from A to G, where A is very efficient, and G is very inefficient.
EPCs are produced using standard methods with standard assumptions about energy usage so that the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared to another building of the same type. This allows buyers, tenants, owners, occupiers and purchasers to see the information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions from their building, so they can consider energy efficiency and fuel costs as part of their investment.
An EPC is always accompanied by a recommendation report that lists cost effective and other measures (such as low- and zero-carbon generating systems) to improve the energy rating of the building. The certificate is also accompanied by information about the rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.
When are assessments required?
An EPC is only required when a building is constructed, sold or rented out. An EPC is valid for 10 years, except for sales of homes, which are subject to the Home Information Pack Regulations 2007, where a Home Information Pack (HIP) is required. In these cases, an EPC must be no more than 12 months old when the property is first marketed.
