Energy Performance Certificate measures a building's energy efficiency expressed on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It contains information about a property's energy consumption and typical energy costs, as well as recommendations on how you can reduce energy consumption and save money. To complete the EPC, a recognized energy assessor will visit your property and conduct a visual survey. The energy evaluator will perform a measurement and photography survey, documenting various aspects of the property including windows, lights, heating, and radiators to help calculate the EPC ratings of the property.

Why are they important?

EPC is important to owners and potential buyers/tenants as it shows how energy efficient a property is. This can be an important consideration for potential buyers/tenants because if the property has a low rating, buyers/renters will know that energy bills for that property can be high. Without a valid EPC, you could be fined up to 5,000 British pounds.

As of October 2008, legislation under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive has made it illegal to market an independent building over 50m2 area without a valid EPC. You must obtain an EPC for potential buyers and tenants before you market your property for sale or rental. They are valid for 10 years excluding major structural changes. As the 14 years since this legislation has made, we recommend that you check your property's EPC expiration date to ensure you remain compliant.

Change in Legislation

In April 2018, a new legislation called Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), also known as Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) went into effect, making rental properties with an EPC rating of F or G illegal. We've found from experience that buildings with a current EPC rating of E can also be impacted by MEPS legislation as if no work is completed on the property it could drop below minimum standards after reassessment. Indeed, since the EPC law was initiated in 2008, there have been changes to the way EPC is calculated.

We Are There For You

At EPC GO, we have vast experience working with a variety of clients across both the public and private sectors, providing expert guidance and advice related to getting an EPC for your property. In case, your property falls under the F or G EPC rating, we can help you to upgrade your EPC ratings in the most cost-effective and easiest ways.

Wrapping Up

The EPC and applicable rating systems are useful references for determining the heating and energy costs of your building and can be used to promote your building when looking to sell or rent. It provides useful information on the most relevant improvement measures, financial accessibility, and potential operating costs. However, there are inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the EPC scoring method and procedure. Therefore, to request information about their EPC, households should contact an energy assessor that provides an EPC. You should also check the release date on the EPC Certificate, as EPCs released in the last few years are most likely to be accurate. For social landlords, EPC GO can provide assistance ranging from reviewing and analyzing how well EPC data is to your housing supply and ability to carry several small EPC.

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