What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) arose by virtue of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2002/91/EC (EPBD) which was passed into law by the European Parliament in December 2002. It was then adopted by 25 Member States including United Kingdom in January 2003.

The main aim of the directive is to promote the improvement of energy performance of buildings. A target of a 22% reduction in energy consumption by 2010 has been set.

All Vendors marketing domestic property for sale after 30 June 2008 are required by law to have an EPC for inspection by potential buyers and ultimately to complete the contract of sale via Solicitor etc.

An EPC provides two key things:

1.     A rating of the Energy performance of your property in the form of an A-G rating. A bar chart similar to those you will find on domestic appliances (check your Refrigerator) is used to illustrate the rating.

2.     Recommendations are provided within the EPC to identify where improvements can be made to improve energy performance and where cost savings could be made.

What will a Domestic Energy Assessment involve?

Essentially a non intrusive survey will be conducted on the property collecting specific data to calculate the energy rating from unique software via an approved accreditation company.

A Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) must collect the following data:

·        Age band of property

·        Floor area

·        Heat loss perimeter length and thickness of walls

·        Wall construction i.e. cavity

·        Roof space insulation type and depth as well as construction

·        Details of main heating system i.e. Boiler type, make, model, age and fuel type

·        Flue type, heating controls, electricity supply including meter box

·        Detail of heat radiation i.e. under floor/radiators and Thermostatic Radiator valves

·        Detail of any secondary heating

·        Open fireplaces, gas fires or fixed electric heating appliances

·        Type of windows, including detail of double glazing age and percentage of total

·        Number of low energy fixed light fittings

·        Energy-saving ‘green’ devices (such as solar panels)

·           Note the number of habitable rooms which are heated.

·        Measure Hot Water Cylinder and thickness of insulation provided.

·        Sketch and make notes relating to the property and room layout.

How can you help the Assessor?

·        An Assessor needs to inspect all areas of the property, therefore please ensure access is possible to such areas as roof space, basement, boiler houses     and garages if attached to the property.

·        If you have guarantees, warranties or other documentation relating to any energy saving installations such as central heating boiler, double glazing or cavity wall insulation etc.

·        Please ensure an adult is present for the duration of the survey.

·        It helps if pets are locked away or kept under control.

Points to remember

1.     A survey will take a minimum of one hour depending on the size of the property. In many instances more time is required to collect all the data needed to provide an accurate EPC.

2.     A survey can be conducted at a time to suit you. Evening and weekend surveys are available.

3.     Always check the authenticity of the DEA, normally identification should be carried. You can also check the veracity of the DEA on www.epbniregister.com. By entering the name or accreditation number you can establish all necessary details.