 Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) were introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings. It gives information on how to make your home more energy efficient and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. All homes bought, sold or rented require an EPC.
EPCs are required whenever a building is built, sold or rented out. The certificate provides ‘A’ to ‘G’ ratings for the building, with ‘A’ being the most energy efficient and ‘G’ being the least, with the average up to now being ‘D’.
All homes are measured using the same calculations, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties. Around 27% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from domestic homes. Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change.
EPCs also provide a detailed recommendation report showing what you could do to help reduce the amount of energy you use and your carbon dioxide emissions.
The report lists:
- Suggested improvements, like fitting loft insulation
- Possible cost savings per year, if the improvements are made
- How the recommendations would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property
You don’t have to act on the recommendations in the recommendation report. However, if you decide to do so, it could make your property more attractive for sale or rent by making it more energy efficient.
The certificate also contains:
- Detailed estimates of potential energy use, carbon dioxide emissions and fuel costs
- Details of the person who carried out the EPC assessment
- Who to contact if you want to make a complaint
Which buildings need an EPC
An EPC is required when a building is constructed, rented or sold. A building will need an EPC if it has a roof and walls and uses energy to ‘condition an indoor climate’. This means it has heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation. |