Energy Performance Certificates

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are being introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
By October 2008 all buildings, whenever they are built, sold or rented out, will require one. The EPC provides 'A' to 'G' ratings for the building, with 'A' being the most energy efficient and 'G' being the least, with the average to date being 'D'.

Accredited energy assessors produce EPCs alongside an associated report which suggests improvements to make a building more energy efficient.

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives home owners, tenants and buyers information on the energy efficiency of their property. It gives the building a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’, where ‘A’ is the best and with the average to date being D/E. What else does the certificate do? EPCs are measured using the same calculations for all homes, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.

Part of the EPC is a recommendation report which will list the potential rating that your home could achieve, if you made changes. The report lists improvements that you could carry out and how this would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property.
You can use this information to:

• cut your fuel bills
• improve energy performance in your home
• help cut carbon emissions

Does everyone need an EPC?

The EPC is required by law when a building is constructed, sold or put up for rent.

So you will only need a certificate if you are:

a homeowner – all sellers of homes need to ensure that they provide a Home Information Pack which includes an EPC for potential buyers
a builder – an EPC needs to be provided to buyers of newly built properties from 6 April 2008
a landlord – you will need to provide an EPC which will be valid for ten years, to prospective tenants, the first time you let or re-let your property after 1 October 2008
Even if you do not fall into the above category, you can still apply for and receive an EPC.