Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are a mandatory part of Residential Sales, Residential Rentals, Commerical Sales & Commercial Rentals.
EPCs show a measure of how energy efficient the building is on a scale of A-G, similar to how kitchen goods are classified. ‘A’ being the most efficient and ‘G’ being the least efficient. The higher the rating the more energy-efficient the building is, with the most efficient buildings having the lowest fuel bills. An example of a typical energy Performance Certificate is shown below.
The building shown above has a current energy rating of ‘D’ and a potential energy rating of ‘C’ if energy saving recommendations are carried out. A list of energy saving recommendations are included within the EPC.
The certificate also gives the Carbon Dioxide Impact Rating of the dwelling. Again the higher the rating the less impact the building will have an the environment.
They are commissioned by the seller or their agent to an accredited Energy Assessor who visits the property to collect the relevant data (e.g. boiler type, property dimensions etc.) and creates the report. The end result is an Energy Performance Certificate that tells the householder how energy efficient their home is on a scale of A – G, similar to how white kitchen goods are classified. The higher the rating the more energy efficient the property is. The most efficient homes will have the lowest fuel bills. The Certificate also tells you the impact the home has on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. The higher the rating the less impact it has on the environment.
Each rating is based on the performance of the building itself and its heating and lighting services, rather than the domestic appliances within it. The certificate also takes into account the age, location, size and condition of the building when providing a rating and suggesting improvements.
The average property in the UK falls in band E and as heating and hot water account for more than 75% of energy used in a typical house EPCs will help householders work out how to reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions. The certificate also includes potential recommendations to enhance the efficiency of the property and so reduce the fuel cost to the householder, such as increase the loft insulation.