What Is An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

The need for an Energy Performance Certificate is required due to EU legislation, the directive for the UK is 2002/91/EC. EPC's can only be issued by a qualified and accredited Energy Assessor or Home Inspector.

 

An EPC provides a rating of a properties energy efficency, running costs and environmental impact rating (carbon emissions) based on the properties condition on a given date. In addition the EPC identifies energy saving improvements that can be undertaken to improve the energy efficiency of the property, reducing the running costs and in-turn reducing the carbon emissions of the property. The EPC assessment results are shown by the use of a performance certificate similar to those used for domestic appliances such as fridges, freezers, washers etc. A sliding scale of ‘A’ to ‘G’ is used, where ‘A’ can be equated to being the most energy efficient and ‘G’ being less efficient.

The EPC currently has a validity of 12 months. If a property is sold and is then placed back on the market within this 12 month period the EPC remains valid for inclusion in the HIP.  

(Refer www.home-information.info/20070809/issue20.pdf)

 

Example of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
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There are many factors that are considered when calculating the EPC ratings as can be seen below. In addition to gain a fair comparison between similar properties a set of assumed household behaviours is also used to set a default profile of energy usage by occupants.


The assessment is based on the following factors:
Type of property
Date of construction

Property construction

Property insulation (lofts and walls)
Number of windows and the type
Volumetric calculation of all storeys
Method of heating the house and providing hot water

Heating controls installed
Thermal properties of adjacent buildings
Heat loss calculations  
Fixed lighting efficiency
Any use of “Renewable” sources

Types of energy used

All these factors are considered and through the use of sophisticated software an energy efficiency rating and a environmental impact rating can be produced. In addition recommendations for improvements are identified suggesting what could be done to the property to reduce running costs and in-turn reducing the carbon emissions and improve the overall rating of a property.

On completion the EPC will be included in the Home Information Pack (HIP) for the property. Note that the EPC is a mandatory requirement of the HIP. The EPC is lodged on the government website “Landmark” (Energy Performance Certificate and Home Condition Report Registers)  www.hcrregister.com  for future use. The EPC can be retrieved by using a Report Reference Number (RRN).

 

Home Information Pack Contents

As a minimum a HIP will have the following documentation. Other documentation such as warranties and guarantees may also be included.

  • Index
  • Sale Statement
  • Evidence of title
  • Standard Searches
  • The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • Leasehold documents (if applicable)
  • Commonhold documents (if applicable)
  • New Home Warranty (if applicable)

For Information - Extract From GLC website

 http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/greenfindings

 

Green findings - Energy Performance Certificates and Home Information Packs

Published 10 September 2007

Average four bedroom homes are getting an 'E' energy rating, according to a survey from the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Home Information Packs (HIPs). New information six weeks after the launch of EPCs and HIPs, shows that average four bedroom homes and above could save hundreds of pounds off heating, lighting, and water bills. Most homes are receiving an 'E' rating in their EPCs on the A-G scale, but this could potentially rise to a 'C' if consumers undertake measures recommended in the certificates, such as loft and cavity wall insulation.

The Government is today extending EPCs and HIPs to three bedroom homes so more buyers will get the same information to cut carbon emissions and reduce fuel bills.

The early findings come from a snapshot survey of energy assessors and EPCs provided since the launch of HIPs, which show average 4 bedroom homes are being rated 'E' and could typically save £180 on heating, £60 on lighting and £30 on hot water bills, a year. The top 5 recommendations given by assessors for improving energy efficiency have been: cavity wall insulation, changing to low energy lighting, putting thermostatic valves on radiators, loft insulation, and double glazing.

The introduction HIPs is already starting to reduce costs and improve transparency in the housing market. More than 85 local authorities have reduced their search costs, in some cases by more than £100. The average pack is taking around 5 days to compile, with major estate agents charging in the region of £300 plus VAT for a HIP, on an upfront or deferred basis - £200 to £250 of which is already paid under the current system.

Communities Minister Iain Wright said:

"Families buying four bedroom homes are getting clear information which shows how they can save hundreds of pounds on their fuel bills and cut carbon emissions too. It is important that this should be available for people buying three bedroom homes as well."

Typical 'green grants' of £100 to £300 for energy saving improvements like loft insulation are available to many home owners from energy suppliers as part of their legal obligations introduced by government to improve energy efficiency. Consumers can now access details of green grants and offers by tapping in their postcode on the Energy Saving Trust's website.
 
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