Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS AN EPC?
An EPC provides a measure of the energy efficiency of a building. It displays an energy efficiency rating from A-G, where A is the most efficient, and G is the least. The energy rating is based on the characteristics of the building (including age and condition) and its services, such as heat and light. Hence this type of rating is known as an asset rating.
The ratings are standard so that the energy efficiency of one building can be compared with another building of a similar type. Thus, two benchmarks are provided; one appropriate for new buildings and one for existing buildings.
The more energy efficient the building is, the lower the fuel bills are likely to be, the lower the CO2 emissions, and the lower the impact on the environment.
ACTING ON AN EPC IS IMPORTANT TO CUT ENERGY CONSUMPTION, REDUCE FUEL COSTS AND HELP SAFEGUARD THE ENVIRONMENT.
WHAT DOES AN EPC LOOK LIKE?
A residential or domestic EPC has the asset ratings of energy efficiency and C02 emissions shown as two bar charts, similar to those found on many household appliances.
Indicative fuel costs are shown based on ‘standard occupancy’ along with a recommendations report for improvement measures that can be taken, and in this regard a potential rating is also displayed.
The rating of most homes in England and Wales fall within the D-E bands for both energy efficiency and environmental impact.
A commercial or non-domestic energy assessment produces a similar energy efficiency bar chart together with pie and seasonally profiled bar charts displaying breakdown of the annual energy consumption of the various services. These are not actual readings, but indicative of what would be expected of the building of that type and size, based on the different modes of activity within it (the energy assessor will ‘zone’ the building as part of his or her assessment). sample residential EPC
WHY DO I NEED AN EPC? WHEN MUST IT BE PRODUCED?
The European Union has long been concerned about the energy efficiency of the building stock in its member states, and the resultant effect of CO2 emissions on climate change.
In January 2003 the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was made public. The EPC is the way in which the EU directive will be adhered to in the UK.
These Certificates are required for the sale and let of all residential and commercial property, with some exceptions, and must be made available at the initial point of marketing.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO DO THIS?
The EPC is required by law when a building is constructed, sold or put up for rent. Once you have an EPC for a home for sale, it's valid for three years.
If you are a landlord, you’ll need to make an EPC available to prospective tenants the first time you let a home after 1 October 2008. An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained, and is valid for 10 years.
An EPC is not required when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities.
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WHY WAS THE EPBD INTRODUCED?
There are over 160 million buildings in Europe that use over 40% of Europe's energy and create 40%+ of its carbon dioxide emissions.*
WHAT ARE OUR PRINCIPAL ENERGY SOURCES, AND HOW SUSTAINABLE ARE THEY?
About 80 per cent of the world's energy is currently supplied by fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Present estimates suggest that, at current consumption rates, there are over 200-years' worth of coal left, 60-years' of gas, and 40-years' of oil. Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons, and their combustion releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, one of the main causes of the human-induced greenhouse effect.
HOW IS THE ENERGY USED?
Heating fuel - 57% of domestic consumption, 52% of non-residential building consumption. Water heating - 25% of domestic consumption, 9% of non-residential consumption. Lighting accounts for 25% of emissions due to commercial buildings.*
IF CHANGES ARE MADE, HOW MUCH COULD THIS DIRECTIVE REDUCE THE THREAT OF CLIMATE CHANGE?
The Directive could deliver up to 45 million tonnes of carbon dioxide reduction by 2010.
*statistics produced by CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers)
