Commercial properties and public buildings currently account for nearly 25% of the UK's carbon emissions, contributing to global climate change. The way in which we light, heat and use buildings all contribute to this. Even small improvements to the energy performance and the way we use our buildings could have a significant effect on our fuel bills and carbon emissions.
Energy Performance Certificates have been introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of all buildings. Since October 2008 most buildings, with few exceptions require an EPC whenever a building is sold, built or rented.
The certificate records how energy efficient a property is as a building and gives a rating from A-G. These are similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.
They are produced using standard methods and assumptions about energy usage so that the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of the same type. This allows prospective buyers, tenants, owners, occupiers and purchasers to see information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions from their building so they can consider energy efficiency and fuel costs as part of their investment.
An example of an EPC
An EPC is always accompanied by a recommendation report that lists cost effective and other measures (such as low and zero carbon generating systems) to improve the energy rating. A rating is also given showing what could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.
You can read more about EPCs and what they mean for your business or home on the Communities Government web site.
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