What's an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate is part of a Home Information Pack.
The Need for an EPC
The requirement for an Energy Performance Certificate has been set by a
European Directive which all member states have to implement. The EU
found that a significant proportion of energy was being used by
commercial and residential properties. Small increases to the energy
efficiency in the millions of properties across Europe will result in a
significant overall reduction in energy usage. The
Energy Performance Certificate is part of these new measures to improve
property efficiency. It will include suggestions to enable homeowners
to improve the energy efficiency of the building. This can mean lower
energy bills for the occupiers, and could make homes more attractive to
potential purchasers.
The Purpose of an EPC
The
Energy Performance Certificate is similar to the certificates now
provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing
machines.
Its purpose is to record how energy-efficient a property is as a building.
The
certificates are commissioned by the seller (or their agent) from an
accredited Energy Assessor, who visits the property to collect the
relevant data and creates the certificate.
This
data includes the date, construction and location of the house and
relevant fittings (heating systems, insulation or double glazing, for
example).
Energy
Performance Certificates tell you how energy efficient a home is on a
scale of A-G. The most efficient homes - which should have the lowest
fuel bills - are in band A.
The
Certificate also tells you,on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home
has on the environment. Better-rated homes should have less impact
through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The
average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings. The
Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's
energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment
Most
sellers of newly built homes will have to provide a predicted
assessment of the energy efficiency of the property, but a full Energy
Performance Certificate should be provided to the buyer when the home
is completed.
The certificate will also provide contact details for the Energy Savings Trust
who can help you find out whether you could be eligible for grants or
discounts to help carry out these improvements to your home. It will
also list simple ways that changes in behaviour can save you energy and
money - without the need for any works.