Energy Performance Certificates

The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 came into force in March 2007 with minor amendments being made in July 2007. These Regulations have been introduced as a result of the UK's commitment to the Kyoto Protocol, adopted in December 1997 on an international level, to take action against climate change. Given the UK Government's support of the Kyoto Protocol, and of its challenging targets for the reduction of carbon emission, reducing the energy consumption attributable to buildings is a key policy objective. The major part of these Regulations is the requirement for all buildings to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a view to encouraging people to take steps to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce carbon emissions in order to combat global warming. EPCs have already been introduced for all new build homes and all marketed sales of homes as part of the Home Information Pack (HIP) and for the construction, sale or let of commercial buildings over 10000sq m. From 1st July an EPC will be required for the construction, sale or let of commercial buildings over 2,500 sq m. and from 1st October 2008 regulations come into force to cover all remaining homes including non marketed sales and all residential lettings and all remaining commercial buildings.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides a rating for the energy performance of a building. The ratings are standard so the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of a similar type. EPCs look similar to the energy labels found on domestic appliances such as washing machines and fridges. The EPC rates the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a property on a scale of A to G, where A is best. A recommendation report is attached to the certificate, providing information about ways to improve the energy efficiency of the property. The certificate also shows the rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.

How do I get an Energy Performance Certificate?

Only a government accredited Energy Assessor can conduct the assessment. During the assessment they collect information on the property which includes details of its dimensions, construction and heating/hot water provision. All the information is then fed into the approved software programme which produces the EPC and recommendation report.

Help

Samuel & Son are constantly being updated on the latest Regulations and requirements. We are able to organise HIPs and EPCs through an accredited company. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements.