Types of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)?

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What are Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)?

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) provide an energy rating from A-G for homes and commercial properties, similar to those which already exist on consumer products like fridges, dishwashers, tumble dryers and lighting.

The certificate not only outlines the cost of heating, hot water and lighting in homes and commercial properties, but also gives advice on how to cut these costs and reduce climate changing emissions.

How can I use my EPC?

The certificate assesses the key elements that have an impact on the properties performance rating.  It provides an estimate of current energy use and current cost of providing lighting, heating and hot water—together with the potential improvements that should be considered.

Further information is given on specific recommended measures, their costs and the typical energy and cash savings that can be made.  It also outlines further measures that could deliver even higher standards on energy efficiency.

This detailed information enables the potential purchaser or tenant to make a comparison between one property and another.

Why were the measures introduced?

Nearly 50 per cent of the UK's energy consumption arises from the way in which our 25 million buildings are lit, heated and used.  Even comparatively minor changes in the energy performance of and the way we use each building would have a significant effect in reducing energy consumption, and hence, carbon emissions.

Given the UK Government's support of the Kyoto Protocol and of its challenging targets for the reduction of carbon emissions, reducing the energy consumption attributable to buildings is a key policy objective