What is an EPC?

An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is a legal requirement when marketing residential properties to let. It is part of a series of measures being introduced across Europe to reflect legislation which aims to cut carbon emissions and help tackle climate change. Buildings create nearly 50% of Britain’s carbon emissions, almost twice that of car and planes. Construction materials, size, property type, ventilation, windows, open fires, boiler or heating source and type of energy used all have an impact on both the environment and the financial cost. These values are transposed into a simple to read document called an EPC.

How are the findings calculated?

All or a mixture of the above are noted and logged by the DEAs (Domestic Energy Assessors) for existing buildings. This information, together with other information gathered on site visits called (RDSAP) Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure is uploaded onto a Government backed computer software system to generate the EPC. Using pre-determined values of energy prices and user consumption, the EPC shows probable average cost to heat and light the property, EER (Energy Efficiency Rating). The carbon emissions created by this usage and the impact this will have on the environment gives an EIR (Environment Impact Rating).

Recommendations

The EPC also gives recommendations of various possible improvements, between set price bands. It should be noted that any recommendations are not in any way obligatory, and it is up to the owner/landlord or agent decide if the investment is worth making. Any work that is undertaken should always be completed by certified professionals, who adhere to building regulations and any local, conservation or district rules. Anyone who decides to act on one or more of the recommendations would then want to commission a new EPC to reflect the improved values EER and EIR values.

• The Asset Rating is the graph part of the EPC, showing real and potential figures in a coloured graph, similar to the ones we are all familiar with on fridges and freezers.
• An EPC lasts for 10 years in the rental sector and 3 years in the selling market. One created for the sale of a property, but which then becomes available to let, would last the full 10 years.
• The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) should be made available to prospective tenants at the earliest opportunity, and a copy must be provided to the person or persons taking up the tenancy.
• The EPC will be available to view at the point of initial marketing.

EPCs for new builds are created from building plans that have been agreed and past at the point of building application approval. Any property built within the last 5 years will already have an EPC.

For a more detailed view and further information, please visit:
http://epc.direct.gov.uk/index.html