What is an Energy Performance Cirtificate
Energy Performance Cirtificate.
What is an EPC?
Energy Performance Certificates ("EPCs") give information on how to make your home more energy efficient and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Our homes already account for 50% of the UK's carbon emissions contributing to global climate change. The Energy Performance Certificate is designed to help homeowners reduce the environmental impact of their homes.
All homes bought, sold or rented require an EPC. The Energy Performance Certificate is broadly similar to the certificates found on many domestic appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines. The certificate will provide a rating of the property from A to G, where A is very efficient meaning lower fuel bills and G is very inefficient meaning higher fuel bills.
Two ratings are shown on the certificate. The Energy Efficiency Rating showing you how energy efficient the property is and the Environmental Impact Rating. The environmental impact rating is a measure of the home's impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions - the higher the rating, the less impact it has on the environment.
The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings. The Certificate also includes recommendations on how to improve the home's energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment. The certificate also lists the potential rating of the building if all the cost-effective measures were installed and could make your home more attractive to potential purchasers.
The property is assessed by using the UK's Standard Assessment Procedure. Its performance is rated in terms of energy use per sq meter of floor area. The ratings will vary according to the age, location, size and condition of the building, its services (such as heating and lighting), rather than the domestic appliances within it.
Under domestic EPC legislation, non-compliance will result in a fine of £200. Commercial EPC legislation non-compliance will result in a penalty, minimum of £500 and maximum of £5,000. The penalty is £500 for failing to display a DEC at all times in a prominent place clearly visible to the public and £1000 for failing to have possession of a valid advisory report.