Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are now required for all commercial buildings whenever built, rented or
sold.
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.
What an Energy Performance Certificate looks like and contains:
The certificate provides you with a rating for the building, showing its energy efficiency. The ratings are similar to
those found on products such as fridges and are standard so the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with
another building of a similar type.
Each rating is based on the performance of the building itself and its services (such as heating and lighting), rather
than the domestic appliances within it. This is known as an asset rating. The certificate also lists the potential rating
of the building if all the cost-effective measures were installed.
The ratings will vary according to the age, location, size and condition of the building. The potential rating on the certificate
will take these factors into account, and the suggested measures will be tailored so that they are realistic for the particular
building.
The certificate also includes a recommendation report, providing information about ways to improve the energy performance
of the property. Recommendations include cost effective improvements and further improvements (that achieve higher standards
but are not necessarily cost effective). For each improvement the level of cost, typical cost savings per year and the performance
rating after improvement are listed. The potential rating shown on the certificate is based on all the cost effective recommendations
being implemented.
In addition the EPCs must convey several other key pieces of information:
Reference information
This includes the type of property, the unique reference number (as stored in the central register) and date of the certificate.
Energy Assessor details
This includes the assessor's name, accreditation number, company name (or trading name if self employed) and contact details.
Complaints
The certificate will provide information about how to complain or how to check the certificate is authentic.
Further details are available on the CLG website.
