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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.
Example of energy efficiency rating graph for homes
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.
Click Here to find out more about what an EPC contains and how you can get one.
How do you get an EPC?
EPCs can only be produced as a result of a survey by an ‘accredited’ Domestic Energy Assessor. They are used to collect standard information on the property including its size, how it is constructed and its hot water and heating systems. The information is then fed into a government approved software programme which produces the EPC.
To get an EPC please click here to instruct us
Making improvements
The recommendation report which will give you information about:
• suggested improvements (such as fitting loft insulation)
• the approximate cost
• possible cost savings per year if the improvements are made
You do not have to act on the recommendations contained in the recommendation report. However, if you do decide to do so, then it could make your property more attractive for sale or rent by making it more energy efficient. You will also contribute to cutting carbon emissions.
Public buildings
Certain public buildings must have a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) which contains similar information as an EPC to enable visitors and users of the building to see its energy efficiency rating.
EPCs for business premises
From 1st October 2008, owners of commercial buildings will also have to provide an EPC when they buy, sell or let commercial premises.
To see how a report will look please click on the link below.
 View Sample Energy Performance Certificate
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