Celotex Guide to EPCs

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are now required, by law, on all new homes. EPCs will become mandatory in October 2008 on all buildings, whenever they are built, sold or rented out.

An EPC is a measure of the energy efficiency of a building as well as the environmental impact as measured by CO2 emissions. The EPC provides 'A' to 'G' ratings for the building, with 'A' being the most energy efficient and 'G' being the least efficient. To date most buildings will be either 'D' or 'E' rated, with those built to the 2006 building regulations typically achieving a 'B' rating.

An EPC will provide a Recommendation Report that offers advice and suggestions on how to further improve energy efficiency. This will ultimately have a positive impact on reducing CO2 emissions.

For those homes that are intended to be marketed ‘off-plan’ a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) is required. This is simply the predicted energy performance and environmental impact (CO₂) from SAP calculations carried out at the design stage. PEAs do not include a Recommendation Report.

Upon physical completion of the building an EPC will be required to either give to the buyer or to continue with the sale of the completed property. The EPC can only be produced by an accredited On-Construction Energy Assessor. Celotex has several accredited assessors. The EPC will then replace the PEA in Home Information Pack. (HIPs)

The EPC will be the result of the As Built calculations which is an extension of the SAP calculation needed for Building Control. A site visit is not required but it will be necessary to demonstrate that the property has been built as intended.

An EPC must be shown to Building Control before a completion certificate can be issued. The actual Energy Performance Certificate will be stored on the national register at www.epcregister.com with a unique report reference number.