Westcountry EPC, supplying professional floorplans and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to the housing industry in Bristol and Somerset.
EPCs Overview
The EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings came into effect progressively from 2007 and is an important part of government strategies for tackling climate change. The principle underlying the Directive is to make energy efficiency transparent by the issuing of a certificate showing the energy rating of a property, accompanied by recommendations on how to improve efficiency. This energy performance certificate (EPC) must be provided whenever a property is constructed, rented out or sold. Responsibility for providing the EPC lies with the “relevant person” when building, renting out or selling a property. For newly built dwellings the relevant person is the builder. When letting a rental property this is the landlord. For the sale of a privately owned property it means the person selling the property.
Key Points
• an EPC is required whenever a building is sold, constructed or rented
out
• the EPC shows the energy efficiency rating (relating to running
costs) of a dwelling. The rating is shown on an A–G rating scale similar
to those used for refrigerators and other electrical appliances. An
example of an EPC is included at Annex C
• the EPC includes recommendations on how to improve the dwelling’s
energy efficiency. There is no statutory requirement to carry out
any of the recommended energy efficiency measures stated. The EPC
also includes information showing which of these measures would be
eligible for finance under the Green Deal scheme, if they were to
be carried out. More information on the Green Deal can be found at
www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures/green-deal
• when a new home is constructed, it is the responsibility of the
builder to provide an EPC when the building is physically completed.
• landlords and sellers must provide an EPC free of charge to interested
parties at the earliest opportunity and must provide a copy of the
EPC to the person who takes up the tenancy or the successful buyer
• estate agents and other third parties must ensure that an EPC has
been commissioned before they can market a property for sale or rent.
In addition, all advertisements in the commercial media must clearly
show the property’s EPC rating, where this is available
• in the social or private rental sector, an EPC is not required for
any property that was occupied prior to 1 October 2008 and which continues
to be occupied by the same tenant. However, landlords may commission
EPCs for these dwellings if they wish
