The requirement for a Domestic Energy Performance Certificate

It is a requirement under the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) to make an EPC available whenever a building is being constructed, rented or sold.  The main aim of the EPC is to bring about market differentiation on the basis of energy performance.

The EPC is part of a series of measures that have been introduced across Europe to reflect legislation which will help cut buildings’ carbon emissions and tackle climate change.   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'.

The EPC is a comprehensive report and will provide a summary of results for your property, in relation to the construction, heating and hot water.  EPC reports also include recommendations for cost-effective improvements to the building, and the potential energy efficiency of the property if the measures are implemented will be given.

If properties do not have an EPC where required, penalty costs of up to £200 per property per day can be incurred.

All EPCs are carried out by an accredited and qualified Domestic Energy Assessor who will assess several aspects of the property, which includes details of its dimensions, construction and heating/hot water systems.  This information is fed into an approved software programme which produces the EPC and recommendation report. The assessor will then record the certificate onto the national register and provide the customer with a copy. The certificate is then ready to be made available to prospective buyers or tenants.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

Landlords ~ from the 1st April 2018 changes to legislation make it unlawful to let residential and commercial properties with an EPC rating of F or G.  This applies to new tenancies after this date.  From 1st April 2020, this rule will be extended to apply to all residential properties with existing tenancies in place.
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Top Energy Saving Tips!

Here are some of our top tips to save money and reduce the impact of your home on the environment...

These tips don't affect your building's EPC rating but they are lifestyle changes that can save you money whilst helping the environment.
  • Ensure that you understand the dwelling and how its energy systems are intended to work so that you can obtain the maximum benefit in terms of reducing your energy usage and CO2 emissions.
  • Check that your heating system thermostat is not set too high (21 degrees centigrade in the living room is suggested) and use the timer to ensure you only heat the building when necessary.  Only heat the areas of the property that you need to heat.
  • Make sure your hot water is not too hot - a cylinder thermostat need not normally be higher than 60 degrees centigrade.
  • Turn off lights when not needed and do not leave appliances on standby.  Remember not to leave mobile phone chargers on when you are not using them.
  • Close your curtains at night to reduce heat escaping through the windows.
  • If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme.
  • Why not adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle and visit this online Eco Shop for a wide selection of environmentally friendly products.