Energy Performance Certificates Explained

09 Mar 2022

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) indicate the energy efficiency of a building. They are required by law for both commercial buildings and residential properties that are newly built, being sold or being rented.  

What Is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

An EPC determines how energy efficient a building is, rating buildings between A (most efficient) and G (least efficient).

EPCs contain information about a building’s energy usage and estimated energy costs. The document also includes recommendations to lower a building’s energy usage by highlighting cost-effective methods to improve the energy efficiency rating.

EPCs are valid for 10 years from the date they were issued. 

Are EPCs Necessary?

EPCs are required for commercial properties when being sold or leased, when a project is built or when changes have been made to a building such as those affecting heating and ventilation systems.

EPCs became required by law in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2008, and in Scotland in 2009. Those without an EPC who require it can be charged.

Notably, there are exemptions such as places of worship and temporary buildings that will be used for less than 2 years. It is best to check the government's website to see if your building is exempt.

The cost of EPCs vary greatly depending on the size and type of a building. In Scotland, only government approved organisations (such as DARe-me Consulting Engineers) can produce valid EPCs. 

How to Improve Your Building’s Energy Efficiency Rating

An EPC will suggest ways to improve your building’s energy performance and highlight the cost of these. Implementing these improvements can significantly reduce your energy costs and ultimately your carbon emissions. Furthermore, incorporating energy efficient features within your building will likely increase the building’s value.

Potential ways to improve your EPC rating include:

• Heating systems: Installing an energy efficient heating system like air source heat pumps can reduce your carbon footprint
• Low-energy lighting: Incorporating a low voltage lighting system such as PoE lighting can result in significant energy savings
• Insulation: Upgrading or incorporating building fabric and insulation reduces the need for heating, serving to cut energy costs
• Solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, generating low carbon, renewable energy 

Summary

Energy Performance Certificates indicate how efficient a building is and suggest ways to improve this. Not only are they required by law, but EPCs can also generate energy savings over time. Incorporating efficient features within your building will help your building meet government guidelines and building regulations.

At DARe-me Consulting Engineers, we are experts at creating innovative building services design while ensuring your building complies with regulations and environmental guidelines.

Contact the team today to find out how we can conduct EPCs for your project.