What is an EPC?

The Energy Performance Certificate is similar to the certificates now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. Its purpose is to record how energy-efficient a property is. The certificate provides a rating of the property from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is very inefficient.

Two ratings are shown on the EPC: the Energy Efficiency Rating and the Environmental Impact Rating. The Energy Efficiency Rating is a measure of a home's overall efficiency. The Environment Impact Rating is a measure of a home's impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (C02) emissions - the higher the rating, the less impact it has on the environment. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the home is, and the lower the fuel bills are likely to be. The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings.
Each rating is based on the performance of the building itself and its services (such as lighting and heating), rather than the domestic appliances within it. The certificate also lists the potential rating of the building if all the cost-effective measures were applied.

Ratings 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.

The Energy Performance Certificate lists cost-effective measures that homeowners can take to improve the energy efficiency of the building. This can mean lower energy bills and could make homes more attractive to potential purchasers.