Energy Performance Certificates

Energy Performance Certificates

Buildings are responsible for almost 50% of the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions, which is almost twice that of cars and planes. The materials used in the construction of building as well how buidlings are insulated, heated, ventilated and powered, all contribute to its carbon emissions.

With the adoption of Energy Performance Certificates a greater awareness of energy efficiency should occur, increasing pressures from buyers, tenants and the public for higher energy efficient buildings, whilst cutting carbon emissions.

There are 2 types of certificate:

• Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) - Required by buildings when constructed, sold or rented out;

• Display Energy Certificates (DECs) - Required by large, public buildings >1000m2 which are occupied by public authorities or institutions providing a public service to a large number of persons.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

Energy Performance Certificates were designed to record and report on the energy efficiency of a property as a building. An EPC is intended to inform potential buyers or tenants about the energy performance of a building, so they can consider whether the property offers energy efficiency savings and thereby inform their decision whether to buy or occupy that building.

The certificate provides an energy efficiency rating for the building rated A-G, very similar to that which can be seen when purchasing electrical goods.

EPCs are produced by trained assessors using a standard methodology which takes into account the performance potential of the building and its services (including the fabric of the building and current installations – heating and lighting systems). By using standard assessment criteria the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of the same type, so providing an insight into the buildings efficiency for potential buyers or tenants.

An EPC is always accompanied by a recommendation report that which lists potential opportunities to improve the energy rating of the building along with example pay back periods.

From 1 October 2008 all buildings whenever sold, built or rented will require an Energy Performance Certificate. Penalites of 12.5% of the rateable value of the building will apply to owners or landlord if unable to present an EPC on the request of a buyer/tenant.

Display Energy Certificates

Display Energy Certificates measure the operational efficiency of a building taking into account the type of building and the actual energy consumption over a 12 month period.

DECs only currently apply to public authority buildings (e.g. local and central government, NHS trusts, schools, universities and MOD) or buildings providing a public service and visited by large numbers of the public, with an area over 1000m2.

Similar to EPCs, buildings are rated ‘A-G’ with ‘A’ demonstrating high energy efficiency and ‘G’ low efficiency. Unlike EPCs which can be valid for up to 10 years, DECs must be repeated on an annual basis.

Following assessment, the organisation will be provided with a Display Energy Certificate, which must be displayed in publically visible place, and a recommendations report which provides guidance for possible energy efficiency improvements.

The Operational Rating and other calculations must be performed by an Accredited DEC Energy Assessor using approved software and calculations.

For further guidance on whether your organisation may require a DEC, please see our DEC flowchart.

For further information about acquiring an EPC or DEC please contact us.