Energy Performance Certificates Explained In Detail
Homes currently account for 27 per cent of the UK's carbon emissions, contributing to global climate change. The way in which we light, heat and use our homes all contribute to this. Even small improvements to the energy performance and the way we use our homes could have a significant effect on our fuel bills and carbon emissions.
Energy Performance Certificates are being introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of all buildings - including homes. If you are buying or selling a home it is now law to have an Energy Performance Certificate. They are also required on construction of new homes and from October 2008 EPCs will be extended to rented homes.
EPCs form part of a programme of work that will make a difference to the 50 per cent carbon emissions from buildings. Other changes include providing advice to users on the energy efficiency of their heating and hot water systems
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be required for all homes whenever built, rented or sold.
If you are buying or selling a home it is now law to have a certificate. This will be extended to rented homes from October 2008.
The certificate records how energy efficient a property is as a building and provides A-G ratings. These are similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.
They are produced using standard methods and 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. A rating is also given showing what could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.
The certificate is important because nearly 50 per cent of the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions arise from the way our buildings are lit, heated and used. Even comparatively minor changes in energy performance and the way we use each building will have a significant effect in reducing energy consumption.
The way a building is constructed, insulated, heated and ventilated and the type of fuel used, all contributes to its energy consumption and carbon emissions.
The Energy Performance Certificate is one measure being introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of our buildings. It is part of a programme of work being rolled out across Europe to reflect legislation. Other changes require larger public buildings to display certificates showing the energy efficiency of the building and requiring inspections for air conditioning systems.
Below is a summary of what is happening and when in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland are both introducing their own regulations.
By October 2008 all buildings whenever sold, built or rented will need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
The certificate provides energy efficiency A-G ratings and recommendations for improvement. The ratings - similar to those found on products such as fridges - are standard so the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of a similar type.
Acting on an EPC is important to cut energy consumption, save money on bills and help to safeguard the environment.
EPCs were first introduced for the marketed sale of domestic homes, as part of the Home Information Pack. If you are buying or selling a home it is now law to have a certificate. From April this was extended to newly built homes and large commercial properties. By October 2008 all buildings whenever built, sold or rented will require one. EPCS are produced by accredited energy assessors.
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