What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a certificate which demonstrates the energy rating of a building. It derives from the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which applies in England and Wales. With over 40% of the UK’s energy consumption and carbon emissions produced by buildings and their construction, there are significant savings to be made.

The energy performance of a building is identified using an ‘A’ to ‘G’ rating system, similar to the energy ratings provided with a fridge or washing machine. ‘A’ is the most efficient and ‘G’ the least efficient with the energy performance of the building shown as a CO2 based Index.

Here's what an EPC looks like.

What an EPC Contains

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) provide ratings for all types of buildings, showing their energy efficiency based on factors such as:

  • the age and layout of the property,
  • the activities going on within the different spaces,
  • the materials used in its construction,
  • how it is heated, cooled and ventilated,
  • how lighting is provided.

The ratings are presented in a similar way to those found on white goods - such as fridges and washing machines. They are standardised, so the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of a similar type. 'A' is the most efficient rating and 'G' the least efficient.

EPCs show the energy performance of the building as a carbon dioxide based index. They also provide:

  • the EPC number and date of issue - the energy assessor will obtain this number when they file the EPC in the online register,
  • details of the energy assessor responsible for the EPC, including their name, accreditation number, employer's name (or any trading name if self-employed) and accreditation scheme,
  • information on how to complain or check whether an EPC is genuine.

EPCs for business properties are valid for up to ten years but cannot be amended. If you want an EPC to show improvements you have made in a building's energy efficiency, you will have to commission a new one.

Recommendation Reports

All EPCs come with a recommendation report, which lists recommendations by the assessor for the improvement of the energy performance of the building. These comprise measures likely to have a short payback period (up to three years), a medium payback period (three to seven years) and those likely to have a longer payback period.

For each measure, there is also an indication of the relative impact it would make on the total carbon dioxide emissions of the building - high, medium or low.