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.

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.