Who needs an Energy Performance Certificate?  

Almost every property in England and Wales now requires an Energy Performance Certificate if it is marketed for sale or rent. This is a legal requirement. A sale cannot occur without an Energy Performance Certificate in place.  A tenant cannot 'legally' move in to the property until an Energy Performance Certificate has been produced. 

Who can complete an EPC?

These can only be completed by a licensed and accredited domestic energy assessor (DEA) 

What is Involved ?

An accredited Energy Assessor will produce the EPC in accordance with the legislation, which will include, but not be limited to, the following tasks:Visit a property to conduct an energy assessment for an existing building, collecting information on the property, which includes:

a)            Establish property type (this includes build type, age, extensions etc)

b)            Property dimensions. Site notes will include floor plan diagram to determine floor area, room height and heat loss wall perimeter. If there are extensions and/or conservatories these can be added and considered separately.

c)             Visual inspection to determine construction type (stone, brick, cavity wall etc). This will also identify if cavity wall or external insulation has been installed (presence of drill pattern).

d)            Visual inspection of the loft space to determine insulation levels (this inspection should not require full access to the loft, it should be a visual inspection through the loft hatch).

e)            Visual inspection to determine the of windows /glazing type

f)              Visual inspection to determine the presence and number of open flues /fireplaces..

g)            Visual inspection to determine the type of space and water heating systems. This includes identifying the type of boiler and heating controls as well as visual assessment of the hot water cylinder (where present).

h)            Visual inspection of the electricity/gas meters

.i)              Determine whether there is mechanical ventilation present.

k)             Use of green technologies, Photovoltaic cells, solar, wind and low energy lighting

l)              Photographs that may be required include:                                                              

                            i.      External view of front elevation of the property                                                            

                           ii.      External view of rear elevation of the property                                                           

                          iii.      External view of any extensions                                                            

                          iv.      Close-up of wall construction types and alternative walls (if applicable)                                                             

                           v.      View of alternative wall construction                                                           

                          vi.      View of roof insulation                                                          

                          vii.      Example of typical window                                                        

                         viii.      PV and solar panels                                                          

                          ix.      Boilers, showing recognition features                                                            

                          x.      Heating controls, e.g. Programmers, roomstats, TRVs                                                          

                         xi.      Secondary heating (if applicable)                                                         

                         xii.      Hot water cylinder                                                       

                        xiii.      Electric and gas meters

Use of an approved software programme to produce the EPC, Reduced Standard Assessment Model - will be the methodology used.  This will provide an energy rating for the energy efficiency of and carbon emissions generated by the building.  A recommendation report will also be produced and attached to the certificate, providing details on ways to improve the energy efficiency and what impacts such improvements might have on the rating.

The energy assessor will then lodge the certificate onto a national register (Landmark) via the accreditation scheme and provide an electronic copy of the certificate and the recommendation report.