EPCs Why?

Energy Performance Certificate

EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings

Approximately 40% of the final energy consumption in the European Community is in the buildings sector and EC research has indicated that by improving energy efficiency, carbon emissions from buildings could be reduced by 22%.

The European Commission's Action Plan on Energy Efficiency (2000) indicated the need for specific measures in the building sector. In response, the European Commission (EC) published a Directive on The Energy Performance of Buildings in May 2001.

Principal objectives of the The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive are:

To promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings within the EU through cost effective measures;

To promote the convergence of building standards towards those of Member States which already have ambitious levels.

Measures include:

Methodology for calculating the energy performance of buildings;

Application of performance standards on new and existing buildings;

Certification schemes for all buildings;

Regular inspection and assessment of boilers/heating and cooling installations.

How will the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive be implemented in the UK?

Under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive all buildings, when constructed, sold or rented, will be required to have an Energy performance certificate (EPC).

Energy Performance Certificate

The Energy Performance Certificate aims to encourage sellers to take action to improve the energy efficiency of their property.

Consultation on three draft designs of the Energy Report (submitted by the Energy Saving Trust, Building Research Establishment (BRE) and the Federation of Authorised Energy Rating Organisations), helped to develop the format of the certificate, which consists of an energy rating from A-G, similar to that provided for electrical appliances. 'A' being the most energy efficient and 'G' being the least energy efficient.

The Energy Report will provide a summary of the energy performance of the property, in relation to features of construction, heating and hot water. In addition to the rating given on the certificate, tailored, cost-effective measures will be suggested and the potential energy efficiency of the property if the measures are implemented given. The Energy Report for existing dwellings will be calculated using Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RDSAP), which has been developed specifically for the Directive, and Home Inspectors will carry out the assessment.