ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES (EPC)

PSG can fulfil all your EPC requirements whether for residential (properties for let) or commercial.

• If you have a rental property, upon change of tenancy you must have an EPC in order to market the property (some exceptions apply, call if you have any questions)

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are now a legal requirement in order to sell or let property and tell you how energy efficient a property is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient properties - which should have the lowest fuel bills - are in band A. The Certificate also explains on a scale of A-G, the impact the property has on the environment. Better-rated properties should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.


The average property in the UK falls within bands D-E for both ratings. The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the property's energy efficiency to save money and help the environment.

What does an assessment for an EPC involve?

An accredited energy assessor will need to physically inspect the property and collect information. This will include external or internal measurements, details about the construction and the type of heating/hot water used in the property. The assessor will need to access all the rooms in the property as well as the boiler and loft. The assessor will need to take photographs of items such as heaters and meters.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDING DIRECTIVE (EPBD)

Overview

Below is a summary of the EPBD implementation in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have introduced their own regulations.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for domestic homes

EPCs were first introduced for the marketed sale of domestic homes, as part of the Home Information Pack (HIP) Regulations which became law in August 2007. From April 2008 this was extended to newly built homes. From 1 October 2008 domestic properties for sale that are exempt from the HIP regulations and privately or socially rented homes require an EPC. An EPC for a domestic home is valid for 10 years, but can be no more than 3 years old when placed in a HIP.

EPCs for commercial buildings

EPCs for commercial buildings were phased in from 6 April 2008 for buildings with a total useful floor area greater than 10,000m2 on construction, sale or let.

From 1 July 2008 this was extended to commercial buildings with a total useful floor area greater than 2,500m2 on construction, sale or let.

From 1 October 2008 all remaining commercial buildings require an EPC on construction, sale or let.

Any buildings that were already on the market before the 6 April, 1 July and 1 October 2008 commencement dates and remained on the market afterwards did not require an EPC until 4th January 2009, unless it was sold or rented in the meantime.

An EPC for a commercial building is valid for 10 years, or until a newer EPC is produced for the building.

Display Energy Certificates for public buildings

Since October 2008 Display Energy Certificates (DECs) are required for larger public buildings, enabling everyone to see how energy efficient our public buildings are. A DEC is valid for one year and the Advisory Report is valid for seven years.

Inspections for air conditioning systems

Since 4th January 2009 the first inspection of all existing air-conditioning systems over 250kW must have occurred. The first inspection of all remaining air-conditioning systems over 12kW must have occurred by 4 January 2011. The inspection will include an assessment of the efficiency of the system with advice on improvements or replacements, as well as alternative solutions.