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Energy Performance Certificates

01/08/2007

Energy performance certificates

After months of delay and speculation Energy Performance Certificates finally went live on the 1 August 2007. At present Energy Performance Certificates are only required for the sale of properties with four or more bedrooms. The requirement for Energy Performance Certificates for smaller properties will be gradually phased in as and when enough trained energy assessors become available.

What are Energy Performance Certificates?
Energy Performance Certificates show the official energy rating of a property. The certificate includes a rating of the buildings energy efficiency and environmental impact, along with recommendations of how to improve the building’s energy performance. The ratings are based on the performance of buildings and services; they do not include an assessment of the efficiency of domestic appliances within properties.

Why have Energy Performance Certificates been introduced?
Energy Performance Certificates have been introduced in accordance with the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. By 2009 all buildings in the UK that are sold, rented or constructed will be required to have an EPC. The aim is to reduce energy consumption by providing advice and suggestions to enable homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. 

Improving Energy Efficiency
Energy Performance Certificates provide advice on improving the efficiency of buildings. Advice is given in two key areas:

  1. Installing Energy-Efficient Measures – e.g. energy saving light bulbs & insulation
  2. Behaviour Changes – e.g. turning off lights when you are not in the room, turning appliances off rather than leaving them on standby, making sure heating only comes on when necessary.

Grants
The Energy Performance Certificate will provides homeowners with contact details for the Energy Savings Trust who can provide advice on the availability of grants for carrying out the energy efficiency improvements recommended in the certificate.  

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