Energy Performance Certificates

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Display Energy Certificates (DECs) to be available on all buildings whether residential or commercial, new build or existing.

For domestic property, in England and Wales an EPC must be made available when a property is either sold or let. It is a requirement that any potential purchaser or tenant can see the EPC for the property at the time of marketing.

For commercial buildings, an Energy Performance Certificate must be provided each time a building is constructed, sold or let. This includes all types of buildings from small local shops, high street multiples and office buildings through to large industrial buildings and warehouses.

For Public Buildings of a certain size which are occupied by public authorities, Display Energy Certificates are a requirement showing the buildings operational rating and how efficiently the building is being used in terms of energy saving measures.

What does an Energy Performance Certificate look like?

The Energy Performance Certificate is broadly similar to the certificates found on many domestic appliances.

A Certificate gives the building an asset rating based on its energy efficiency, but does not take into account how the home is used by the occupiers. The Certificate will give the building an effieicency rating from A (high) to G (low). The Certificate will also show the building's environmental impact by indicating its carbon-dioxide emissions.