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From Assessment to Certification: The Journey of an Energy
Performance Certificate (EPC)
Leon Cheng
Director of Sustainability
Overview
- Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are mandatory for all UK buildings post-2008 that are constructed, sold or leased.
- EPCs benefit homeowners by potentially increasing property value and offering insights into energy cost savings, help tenants understand a property's energy costs, and are crucial for landlords to legally rent properties.
- EPCs are valid for ten years, though significant property modifications may necessitate a new assessment.
- Obtaining an EPC requires a structured process involving site survey and assessment by an accredited energy assessor.
In the landscape of UK property management and ownership, getting an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is both pivotal and prevalent.
Any building in the UK erected, sold or leased post-2008 is legally required to have an EPC.
An EPC provides a comprehensive insight into the energy performance of buildings, detailing their energy efficiency and carbon emissions.
Understanding the essence, acquisition process, and validity of an EPC is crucial for homeowners, landlords and tenants alike.
This blog post offers a thorough exploration of Energy Performance Certificates, guiding you through their importance, how to obtain one and their duration of validity.
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that assesses the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
It is a crucial element under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations, designed to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the energy efficiency of buildings.
An EPC is always accompanied by a Recommendation Report (RR).
While the EPC itself illustrates the current energy efficiency rating, the RR suggests measures to improve it, potentially lowering energy costs and impacting environmental conservation positively.
From April 2018 onwards, it has become illegal for landlords to rent out commercial spaces that fall into the lowest efficiency categories, F or G, without a legitimate exemption.
The Significance of an EPC
EPCs are not just obligatory formalities; they hold significant value for various stakeholders:
- Homeowners can identify how to enhance their property’s energy efficiency, reducing the property’s carbon footprint, possibly increasing its market value and gaining access to better mortgage deals.
- Prospective buyers or tenants gain insight into a property’s energy costs, influencing their buying or renting decisions.
- Landlords require a valid EPC to legally rent out their property, ensuring it meets specific energy efficiency standards. Moreover, with higher EPC rating, landlords can reduce the risk of tenant turnover due to lower energy costs for tenants and the property may be more attractive to renters due to potential energy cost savings.
How Long is an Energy Performance Certificate Valid For?
An EPC is valid for ten years from the date of issuance.
This duration applies universally across the UK, providing a substantial window for property owners to make energy efficiency improvements before a re-assessment is necessary.
It’s important to note, however, that if significant alterations are made to the property, a new EPC may be required to accurately reflect its updated energy performance.
How to Get an Energy Performance Certificate
Only an accredited energy assessor can conduct the evaluation necessary to issue an EPC.
The assessor visits the property to evaluate key items such as loft insulation, the boiler and double glazing.
Based on the assessment, the EPC is issued, detailing the energy efficiency rating and recommendations for improvement.
Our comprehensive EPC services unfolds through a meticulously structured five-step approach:
- Site Survey: Our dedicated team of accredited energy assessors embarks on detailed site evaluations to capture critical data.
- 3D Modelling: This essential data is then skilfully crafted into a 3D model, enabling accurate analysis.
- EPC and Recommendation Report Generation: We craft both the EPC and a tailored RR Leveraging the insights from the 3D model.
- Official Lodging: Our team manages the formal submission of these documents to the Landmark-operated Government database, affirming compliance.
- Certificate Delivery: You receive the finalised EPC and RR in your preferred format, accompanied by our unwavering support for any additional requirements.
Renewal and Compliance
While an EPC is valid for a decade, the evolving nature of energy efficiency standards means that staying informed on current regulations is beneficial.
For landlords, specifically, ensuring your property meets the minimum energy efficiency standard (currently set at an E rating) is imperative to remain compliant with the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations.
How EIC can Help You
The journey from assessing a property for its energy performance to obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate is a critical path for UK property owners, landlords and tenants.
Our team of energy specialists streamlines the acquisition of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), adding exceptional value to your experience.
Here’s how EIC helps you:
- Streamlined Process: We’ll navigate you through every step, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
- Focus on Your Business: By handling the EPC specifics, we free up your valuable time to focus on what matters most – running your business.
- Compliance Confidence: Rest assured that your EPC is in capable hands. We ensure your property meets all current regulations.
- Stay Informed: We keep you updated on any changes in energy efficiency legislation, so you’re always ahead of the curve.
- Boost Your Efficiency: Our team goes beyond the EPC. We offer expert advice to help you improve your building’s energy performance and potentially save on bills.
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Read MoreWhich suppliers does EIC work with?
EIC stands out from other energy consultancies because we’re completely independent.
This independence allows us to offer supply options from a wide range of energy suppliers, all of whom are unrelated.
Our energy advice is unbiased, giving you the freedom to make informed decisions for your business.
We have a proven track record of skilfully negotiating cost-effective contracts, ensuring you consistently get the best energy prices when you partner with us.
What if I am already with an energy consultancy?
If you’re already working with an energy consultancy, it’s a good idea to start exploring your options well in advance, preferably 18 to 24 months before your current supply contract expires.
It’s essential to distinguish between your energy supply contract and your energy consultancy agreement.
You have the flexibility to switch your energy consultancy while keeping your current energy supplier intact.
What happens after the energy procurement step?
Our comprehensive account managed service provides our clients with peace of mind throughout the entire energy procurement process.
When you choose our fixed energy procurement service, we’ll assign an account manager to you, someone equipped with the expertise and abilities to provide a customised solution that aligns with your unique needs and requirements.
The professionals who make up our dedicated procurement team are well-versed in resolving inquiries and skilled in engaging with energy suppliers to negotiate contracts on your behalf.
When is the best time to renew my energy contract?
The timing for transitioning to a new energy contract is flexible; you aren’t bound by a fixed schedule or renewal date.
Given the ongoing high volatility in the global energy market, it’s increasingly crucial to look beyond traditional renewal dates when contemplating a new contract.
