What is an EPC


An EPC is an energy performance certificate which measures the carbon footprint and efficiency of a building. Currently there are 3 types of EPC's; domestic, non domestic and display.


A domestic EPC is used for residential homes and is a legal requirement when a property is marketed either for sale or rent. The property owner has only 5 days to have a valid EPC in place from the time that the property is offered for sale or rent. Failure to do so will result in the owner facing a substantial fine from the council. A domestic EPC can only be produced and issued by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor.


A non domestic EPC is used for commercial properties such as shops, restaurants, warehouses, offices and hotels. Just like a residential EPC a commercial or non domestic EPC is required every time a premises is marketed for sale or rent. A non domestic EPC can only be produced and issued by a qualified Non Domestic Energy Assessor. 


A display energy certificate is used and displayed in public buildings that are larger than 1,000 square meters and is designed to raise public awareness regarding how well each public building is performing. This type of certificate can only be issued by a Display Energy Assessor.


There is a forth type called an On Construction Certificate which is used when a residential house is being designed and is required to be submitted with the plans for planning permission but is then replaced with a regular Domestic EPC once built.  Commercial buildings with an air conditioning unit that is greater than 12kw will require an EPC from an air conditioning specialist.﻿

An EPC rates a property from A to G (A being the most efficient). Attached to each EPC are some recommendations that can be used to improve the score.﻿

Why do we have EPC's

The Kyoto Protocol was struck in 1997 in Kyoto; Japan when member states of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Control agreed that developed countries must reduce their emissions of six greenhouse gases to meet the overall target. The UK commitment is to reduce carbon emissions to 80% by the year 2050.

About 50% of carbon dioxide emissions come from buildings (30% dwelling & 20% commercial) it therefore makes sense to have a mechanism in place to reduce these harmful emissions.﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿