Energy Performance Certificates, are you ready?
These certificates are for all buildings and will be required whenever a building is constructed, rented or sold. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is broadly similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. Its purpose is to record how energy efficient a property is as a building. The certificate will provide a rating of the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a building from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is very inefficient.
EPCs are produced using standard methods with standard 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 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 of the building. The certificate is also accompanied by information about the rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.
A poor EPC rating will make it difficult to rent or sell property, and will be used as negotiating tool to drive down a properties price. Equally a good rating will add value to your home or rental property.
Timetable for requirement of EPC’s
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6 April 2008
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EPCs required on construction for all dwellings.
EPCs required for the construction, sale or rent of buildings other than dwellings with a floor area over 10,000 m2.
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1 July 2008
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EPCs required for the construction, sale or rent of buildings other than dwellings with a floor area over 2,500 m2.
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1 October 2008
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EPCs required on the sale or rent of all remaining dwellings
EPCs required on the construction, sale or rent of all remaining buildings other than dwellings.
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