EPC / Energy Performance Certificates

As of 21st May 2010, Home Information Packs became history for residents in England and Wales!

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is now the only requirement. It must be ordered before marketing commences and made available at the earliest opportunity to potential buyers, and certainly before exchange.

Since December 14th 2007, & October 1st 2008, all residential & Commercial buildings were required to provide an Energy Proficiency Certificate (EPC), which is a Government EU directive.

This will in turn be rolled out for the rental of all dwellings, and all remaining sales and lease holds as of January 1st 2008. This will also include non-HIPs marketed sales and all non- marketed sales in the domestic sector.

Why have an EPC?

The purpose of EPC's is to increase awareness and reduce energy consumption in all buildings. The EPC will provide an in-depth and comprehensive rating of the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a building, and recommend further measures to improve the overall energy efficiency, lower the carbon footprint and ultimately a greener and more environmentally friendlier future.

Who pays for the EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate, paid for by the seller, contains important information about their property to help potential buyers make an informed decision before they put in an offer. By law, the EPC must be ordered before the property can be advertised for sale.

How do I get an EPC?

In order to obtain your EPC, your property must be certified by a licensed Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). The certificate will provide a rating graph to show how energy efficient the building is, and the likely energy costs of occupying the property. The certificate provides 'A' to 'G' ratings for the building, with 'A' being the most energy efficient and 'G' being the least, with the average up to now being 'D'.

Did you know that buildings produce nearly half of the UK's carbon emissions? That's almost twice that of cars and planes. The way a building is constructed, insulated, heated, ventilated and the type of fuel used, all contribute to its carbon emissions.