Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
What is this?
A key part of the European Union (EU)’s strategy to respond to the challenges of climate change and security of energy supplies is to achieve a substantial improvement in Europe's energy efficiency. The EU and the UK Government have set challenging targets to reduce their energy usage and the emission of ‘Greenhouse’ gases. Nearly 50 per cent of the UK’s energy consumption arises from the way in which our 25 million buildings are lit, heated and used. Even comparatively minor changes in the energy performance of and the way we use each building would have a significant effect in reducing energy consumption, and hence, carbon emissions. A European Union Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings calls for mandatory regulation of the energy efficiency of new and refurbished buildings and the energy certification of nearly ALL existing buildings.
Who is it for?
If you are planning to sell your home and you need a Home Information Pack (HIP), you will also need an EPC because this is a required part of the HIP. Estate Agents, Auctioneers and Legal Professionals producing HIPs will also need to obtain an EPC for inclusion in the Pack. Owners of rental properties (Buy to Lets) will be required to attach copies of EPCs to their Shorthold Tenancy Agreements (STAs) by October 2008. Housing Associations and Registered Social Landlords will, by the beginning of 2009, need to have carried out energy inspections on their housing stock and obtained EPCs for each of them.
Who is it not for?
You do not need an EPC, currently, for a residential property you already own. So, if you are re-mortgaging, you do not need an EPC. If you have an older house, an Energy Inspection might be an invaluable aid to saving energy and cost.
