EPC - Energy Performance Certificates
What is an EPC?
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 how energy efficient a property is as a building.
The certificate will provide a rating of the 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
with another building of the same type. This allows prospective buyers, tenants,
owners, occupiers and purchasers to see 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 Energy Performance Certificate is only required when a building is constructed,
sold or rented out.
On Construction
When the construction of a new building is completed, the builder or
person responsible for the construction is responsible for obtaining
the certificate
and providing it to the owner. This is a duty under Building Regulations.
This will also apply if a building is converted into fewer or more units
and there
are changes to the heating, hot water provision or air conditioning/
ventilation services.
On Sale
For existing buildings that are to be sold, the building's owner is
responsible for ensuring a certificate is made available to all prospective
purchasers
at the earliest opportunity.
On Rent
When buildings are to be rented out, the landlord is responsible
for ensuring a valid certificate is made available to all prospective
tenants.
Buildings are responsible for almost 50 per cent of
the UK's energy consumption and carbon emission - a higher percentage than
road or air traffic. Mr Wright
said that if government and business - landlord and tenants, employers and
employees - worked together, UK could save 40 million tonnes of carbon by
2020.
The certificate is one of the measures being introduced to improve the
energy efficiency of our 25 million buildings and meet our carbon emission
reduction
targets.
View more of our Energy Assessment Services.
