Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is broadly similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.  It is essentially an asset rating for the theoretical building performance. EPCs use standardised methods and assumptions about energy usage, so that buildings of the same type can be compared for energy efficiency.  This allows prospective buyers, tenants, owners, occupiers and purchasers to see information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions from their building.  It is hoped that this will promote informed decision making when presented with a range of prospective properties.

April 6th 2008 heralded the start date for implementation of Energy Performance Certificates, required when commercial or domestic buildings are built, sold or rented. Public buildings throughout England and Wales will need to display an energy certificate (DEC) from October 2008 (similar legislation will also apply to Scotland and Northern Ireland).  Energy Performance Certificates will gradually be phased in to encompass all building types.  These certificates must be produced by an accredited energy assessor. 

The EPC will provide a graphical representation of 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.  An A+ rated building will be a net exporter of energy, whilst an A rated building will be approaching net zero carbon emissions.  A building just meeting the requirements of the current UK Building Regulations will sit on the B/C boundary.

An EPC is always accompanied by a recommendation report that lists short, medium and long term 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 will my building require an EPC?

Note, if a project is not completed by the respective implementation date then it will require an EPC.

For dwellings:

From the 6th of April 2008 EPCs will be required on construction for all dwellings built to 2006 standards.

From the 1st of October 2008 EPCs are required on the sale or rent of all remaining dwellings

For non-domestic buildings:

From 6th April 2008 EPCs are required on construction, sale and rent of all buildings with a useable floor area greater than 10,000m²

From 1st July 2008 EPCs are required on construction, sale and rent of all buildings with a useable floor area greater than 2,500m²

From 1st October 2008 EPCs required on construction, sale, or rent for all non-dwellings (some exceptions apply).  Display certificates required for all public buildings over 1,000m²