Awdry Bailey & Douglas – Energy Performance Certification
- What are Energy Performance Certificates? (EPCs)
- Why have EPCs been introduced?
- What buildings are exempt?
- Who produces the EPC?
- How long will it take to produce an EPC?
- Where are EPCs archived?
What are Energy Performance Certificates? (EPCs)
The certificate records how energy efficient a property is as a building and provides A-G ratings. These are similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.
They are produced using standard methods and assumptions about energy usage in order that the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of the same type. This allows prospective buyers, tenants, owners, occupiers and purchasers to access information as to the energy efficiency and carbon emissions from a building in order to consider energy efficiency and fuel costs as part of any investment.
An EPC is always accompanied by a recommendation report that lists cost effective measures (such as low and zero carbon generating systems) to improve the energy rating. A rating is also given showing what could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.
Why have EPCs been introduced?
The certificate is important because nearly 50 per cent of the UK’s energy consumption and carbon emissions arise from the way our buildings are lit, heated and used. Even comparatively minor changes in energy performance and the way we use each building will have a significant effect in reducing energy consumption. The Government supports the Kyoto Protocol and so is committed to reducing energy consumption. Improving the energy performance of our buildings will significantly help the country achieve our energy objectives.
What buildings are exempt?
The following places do not require an EPC:
- Places of worship
- Stand-alone building of less than 50 square meters (except for dwellings)
- Temporary buildings with a planned time of use of 2 years or less
- Particular building with a low energy demand (e.g. barns)
- In some circumstances buildings to be demolished are exempt from requiring a certificate
- An EPC is not required for any (off-plan) sales or letting before the construction of the building has been completed. However a Predicted EPC will be required.
Who produces the EPC?
EPCs are produced by accredited energy assessors
The assessors will look at the following factors:
- Thermal characteristics of the building
- Heating and hot water systems
- Air conditioning
- Artificial ventilation
- Built in lighting installations
- The position and orientation of the building
- Solar systems
- Natural ventilation
- Indoor climatic conditions.
How long will it take to produce an EPC?
This depends upon the size and complexity of the building in question. Surveying simple buildings may take 1 to 3 hours, while larger commercial buildings could take up to 2 – 3 days. Buildings falling in the level 4 category (central air handling systems, heating >100kW and cooling >12kW) could take up to a week.
Where are EPCs archived?
The EPCs and accompanying Recommendation Report are registered on the Governments Central Register. This shows that the EPC has been produced by a formally accredited assessor who has satisfied, and continues to satisfy all the rigorous on-going assessment procedures employed by the accreditation schemes to ensure that standards are maintained. EPC’s stored on the Central Register contain all the original information produced from the survey and cannot be subsequently edited in anyway.
