Why are Energy Performance Certificates required?
- Purpose: An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) informs potential buyers or tenants about a building's energy performance.
- Decision Making: Helps in considering energy efficiency as part of the decision to buy or occupy a building.
How long is it valid for?
Validity: EPCs are valid for 10 years for non-dwellings, unless a newer EPC is produced earlier.
What is an EPC and what does it mean?
- Appearance: The EPC resembles energy labels provided with vehicles and household appliances.
- Efficiency Rating: Provides an energy rating from A (very efficient) to G (least efficient).
- Cost Savings: Better ratings indicate a more energy-efficient building, likely resulting in lower fuel bills.
- Carbon Index: The energy performance is shown as a CO2-based index.
- Rating Factors: The rating considers the building's characteristics and its services like heating and lighting.
- Recommendation Report: Accompanies the EPC and offers suggestions for enhancing the building's energy performance.
Responsibilities for providing EPCs
- Selling: When selling a building, the seller must provide an EPC to potential buyers free of charge.
- Renting: When renting out a building, the prospective landlord must provide an EPC to potential tenants free of charge.