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Energy Performance Certificates (EPCS) & Display Energy Certificates (DECS)

Domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

From October 2008, a Domestic Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement for:

• new build homes
• homes available for rent
• homes available for sale

What is a Domestic Energy Performance Certificate?

For homes, two ratings are shown:

• The Energy Efficiency Rating is a measure of a home's overall efficiency. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the home is, and the lower the fuel bills are likely to be.
• The Environmental Impact Rating is a measure of a home's impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions; the higher the rating, the less impact it has on the environment.

Each rating is based on the performance of the building and its services (such as heating and lighting), rather than the domestic appliances within it. This is known as an Asset Rating. The Domestic Energy Performance certificate also lists the potential rating of the building if all the cost-effective measures were installed.

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, and the suggested measures will be tailored so that they are realistic for the particular building.

In addition the Domestic EPCs must convey several other key pieces of information:

• Reference information - This includes the type of property (e.g. house, flat), the unique reference number (as stored in the central register) and date of the Domestic Energy Performance Certificate.
• Estimated energy use - This is based on standardised assumptions about occupancy and heating patterns. An estimate of the current and potential energy use, carbon emissions and fuel costs for lighting, heating and hot water is provided. The actual energy use depends on the behaviour of the occupants.
• Energy Assessor details - This includes the assessor's name, accreditation number, company name (or trading name if self employed) and contact details.
• Complaints procedures - The Domestic EPC will provide information about how to complain or how to check the certificate is authentic.
• Energy advice - The Domestic EPC provides basic advice about energy efficient behaviour.

Recommendations Report

Your Domestic EPC will also include a Recommendations Report, which provides information about ways to improve the energy performance of the property. Recommendations include cost effective improvements and further improvements (that achieve higher standards but are not necessarily cost effective). For each improvement the level of cost, typical cost savings per year and the performance rating after improvement are listed. The potential rating shown on the certificate is based on all the cost effective recommendations being implemented.

Why do I need a Energy Performance Certificate?

Domestic EPCs record the energy efficiency of the assessed property, providing A - G ratings of its energy efficiency. These are similar to the labels provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.

Domestic EPCs 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 about the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of the property, so they can consider energy and fuel costs as part of their investment.

Why is it so important to have a Domestic Energy Performance Certificate?

Nearly 50% of the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions arise from the way 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.

Domestic EPCS can only be produced by accredited energy assessors, such as ourselves.