EPC FAQs

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is one

of many new measures that are being applied

across the EU member countries to improve energy

efficiency. An EPC provides two key pieces of

information

• The energy efficiency of a property on a scale

from A – G (The most efficient being A and G

the least efficient)

• The environmental impact of a property.

It also provides recommendations and cost effective

ways to improve the energy efficiency of a property.

The benefit is that, if acted upon, this can mean

lower energy bills due to lower energy consumption,

and in turn lower carbon emissions.

Why is an EPC important?

All EPCs on existing homes are produced using the same methodology. This means that all home

owners and occupiers can compare the energy

efficiency of different properties – in a similar way to

comparing the fuel consumption of different cars.

Part of the EPC is a recommendation report which

will list the potential rating that your house would

achieve, if the changes were made. This information

can be used to:

• Cut fuel bills

• Improve energy performance in the home

• Help cut carbon emissions

When is an EPC required?

By 2009, as part of the Energy Performance of

Buildings Directive (EPBD) all buildings in the UK that

are constructed, sold, or rented out will be required

to have an EPC.

• An EPC is required every time the property

is marketed and must not be more than 3 years old.

• Landlord must provide an EPC to prospective

tenants, the first time the property is let,

or are let after October 2008. The EPC is valid for 10 years.