Landlords: ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE Is Now A Reality

The EPC is part of these new measures to improve the efficiency of buildings, resulting in lower energy bills for the occupier. An EPC provides the owner with a rating for the building, showing its energy efficiency and environmental impact on a scale from A-G (where A is the most efficient and G the least efficient). Two ratings are given:-

The environmental impact rating is a measure of a building’s impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide emission-the higher the rating, the less impact it has on the environment.

The energy efficiency rating is a measure of a building’s overall efficiency. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the building is, and the lower the fuel bills are likely to be.

The ratings will vary according to the age, location, size and condition of the building. The potential rating on the certificate will take these factors into account.

40% of the UK’s energy consumption arises from the way in which 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 and therefore carbon emissions.

Almost half of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions, the main greenhouse gas which causes climate change, actually come from the things we do every day . Leaving the lights on unnecessarily, or boiling the kettle with more water than is actually required, all waste energy. We are already seeing the effects of climate change here in the UK. Winters are becoming milder, rainfall patterns are shifting, making drought and floods more common.

Following an EU directive, all domestic properties being sold or rented out, will shortly need to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). In response to this, Communities and Local Government has introduced a number of energy and cost-saving measures to make all buildings more efficient. These measures are being applied across all European Union countries and are in accordance with the European Directive for the Energy Performance of Buildings.

The energy efficiency and fuel costs will now become an element in the design and decision process of all new projects, and an important component to future property purchases. By 1st October 2008, all buildings in the UK that are constructed, sold or rented will require an EPC

Housing Minister, Yvette Cooper on its launch in 2006, said,

“Given the growing challenge from climate change and rising energy costs, I think people should be entitled to this kind of information about the home they buy. You can get this kind of consumer information on fridges and washing machines, so why not on a home where emissions-and the savings-are so much greater?”

Therefore the introduction of EPC represents a positive step forward. Encouraging FIRST TIME BUYERS , HOME OWNERS and Users, to be given-user friendly information they need to reduce the environmental impact of their homes and energy bills. Providing knowledge and increasing awareness with long term incentives will help reduce the carbon emissions in the UK.