Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are the Governments way of complying with European Legislation in respect to the energy efficiency of buildings laid out in the European Performance of Building Directive (EPBD).
The purpose of an EPC is to assess and record the energy efficiency of a property. Completed EPC's provide a rating of the energy efficiency and CO2 emissions of a building from A to G - where A is a very high efficiency rating and G very poor.
As EPC's are produced using standardised methods, the energy efficiency of one building can be directly compared to another building of the same type. This helps potential property buyers or tenants to compare the energy efficiency of one property with another so that they can consider energy efficiency and fuel costs as part of their investment.
An EPC features an easy-to-understand graphical representation of the efficiency of the property and also deeper information providing recommendations on what can be done to improve the energy rating. There is also, usefully, an estimation of the energy rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations are carried out.
As a property owner or a landlord and particularly for anyone with a passion for minimising waste and saving the environment, an EPC holds great value. Fuel costs have increased significantly over the past few years and this has prompted many home owners to try and make their property more energy efficient. A property that has a high rating of energy efficiency becomes more attractive to a potential buyer or tenant, thereby raising the marketability and expected value the property may achieve.
But the importance of an EPC is not just one of fuel cost saving and environmental friendliness. From a legal perspective, as of the 21st May 2010 it has been made a requirement for anyone selling or renting a property in England or Wales to order an Energy Performance Certificate before the marketing of the property commences. It is the property owners sole responsibility - not the selling or letting agents. The EPC must be made available to potential buyers or tenants at the earliest opportunity and certainly before any contractual agreement is reached. In fact, if an EPC is available it should be provided whenever the property is viewed by a potential buyer or tenant. Failure to meet the requirements in respect to EPC's will result in a fine - which can be repeatable for every day a breach is continued.
In conclusion, an EPC should be viewed as an affordable and highly useful assessment of the energy efficiency of your property. It contains actionable recommendations which will help increase your properties efficiency, which will of course help cut your fuel bills saving you money in the short term, and also help the marketability of your property should you ever wish to sell or rent. There are many registered Domestic Energy Assessors (DEA) who will visit your property and produce an EPC at relatively low cost. It is recommended to have your property assessed right away so that you can start to feel the benefits, rather than waiting until you may wish to sell or rent it out. Remember the real reasons for EPC's and don't just get one because you have to.
