Energy Performance Certificates
EPCs
What Is It?
An Energy Performance Certificate is a mandatory rating scheme that is used to show the energy efficiency of rented and sold buildings. It contains a rating of how energy efficient a building is, allowing for adjustments and improvements to be made. An EPC is mandatory for residential buildings when they are first constructed or when they are being rented or sold.
​
Who Needs It?
An EPC is compulsory for a building if:
​
-
The building is commercial or residential;
-
The building has just been constructed;
-
The building is going to be sold or rented.
​
However, if the building is a public access building then it will need a DEC instead.
Buildings are rated with an "A" to "G" system, clearly showing how efficient they are.
​
A rating is very efficient with low running costs.
G rating is in need of improvement due to the lack of efficiency and high energy costs.
​
When a certificate is provided, a potential rating is displayed alongside the actual rating, showing what rating the building could achieve if some improvements were made for better energy efficiency.
Why Is It Needed?
EPCs are used to show how energy efficient a building is, and therefore they offer insight into how much energy a building is using, but also how much it is wasting. This allows for people who are renting or buying the building to know exactly how efficient it is before they do so. It also gives them an idea on much the building is affecting the environment with its CO2 rating it provides as well.
​
When Is It Needed?
When first issued, an EPC is valid for up to 10 years. When selling a property there is no minimum rating required. However, when renting a property, it needs to have a rating of “E” or higher otherwise it legally cannot be rented. If a property does not have a valid EPC when it is appropriate, then a £500 fine can be issued to the property owner.
​
How We Can Help
Here at Sprite Energy Assessors, our partners are qualified EPC providers and we can arrange for an EPC to be issued or renewed for any of your buildings. We can send one of our qualified assessors to perform a site visit and assess your buildings and all of its assets to allow for the report and rating to be given.
