EPC's - (Energy performance certificates)

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC's) are being introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

If you are buying or selling a home you now need a certificate by law. From October 2008 EPC's will be required whenever a building is built, sold or rented out.

Energy Performance Certificates – what they tell you.

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'. So you get:

• Information on your home's energy use and carbon dioxide emissions

• A recommendation report with suggestions to reduce energy use and emissions

The 'relevant person' is responsible for obtaining an EPC. ie the vendor or the landlord.

WHEN DO YOU REQUIRE AN EPC?

A commercial EPC must be provided at “the earliest opportunity” and before entering into any contract to sell or rent a building. The EPC should be available with the sales particulars or upon the first viewing whichever is the earlier.

PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO OBTAIN EPC

If a commercial EPC is not provided then the “relevant person” is liable to a fine from Trading Standards.

HOW LONG IS AN EPC VALID FOR?

The EPC is valid for 10 years unless major modifications have been carried out to the property in that time period.

WHO PROVIDES EPC’S?

An EPC can only be prepared by a qualified Commercial Energy Assessor.

BUILDINGS EXEMPT FROM EPCS

The following are exempt:

• Places of worship
• Buildings that are intended to exist for less than two years
• Agricultural buildings and some basic workshops with low energy demands
• Detached buildings of less than 50 sq m (550 sq ft)
• Properties with consent for demolition or redevelopment

ENERGY USE AND CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS

EPCs carry ratings that compare the current energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions with potential figures that your home could achieve. Potential figures are calculated by estimating what the energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions would be if energy saving measures were put in place.

The rating measures the energy and carbon emission efficiency of your home using a grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’. An ‘A’ rating is the most efficient, while ‘G’ is the least efficient. The average efficiency grade to date is 'D'. All homes are measured using the same calculations, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.

Around 27 per cent of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from domestic homes. Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change.

THE RECOMMENDATION REPORT

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

WHAT DOES AN EPC LOOKS LIKE?

Information about energy efficiency and carbon emissions is summarised in two charts that show the energy and carbon dioxide emission ratings. The charts look similar to those supplied on electrical appliances, like fridges and washing machines.